SBA Rules/Format:
*(Headings) Title date page number
*Aim (purpose of experiment)
*Materials/apparatus (all the items you will need to carry out the investigation- Do not put one
item per line as this waste space.)
*Method (How you are going to investigate your aim)
-Written in past passive voice ( no “we” nor “I”)
-Must be in a logical order and numbered with NO indenting. E.g.
1. (margin)|A leaf was removed from a plant, observed and a detailed drawing was made.
2. | The …..
NB: learn to identify your variables (control, independent/manipulated and
dependent/responding)
An experiment generally has three variables:
1. The manipulated or independent variable is the one that you control.
2. The controlled variable is the one that you keep constant.
3. The responding variable or variables is what happens as a result of the experiment (i.e.
it’s the output variable).
*Results/Observations – what you saw or outcomes e.g. tables, graphs, drawings (include
magnification), diagrams etc. Always after the method not in between.
Tables – title above, all capital letters, double underlined; Appropriate headings with units of
measurement; all numbers to same decimal place; table completely framed; can be written in
ink or pencil but not both, can be written on lined pages or on blank)
Graphs- title above, all capital letters, double underlined; include appropriate scale making use
of most of the page with graph; key included, axes(X and Y) labelled and completely done in
pencil.
Drawings – EVERYTHING in PENCIL and only on blank paper- Clarity: Clean continuous lines of
even thickness in pencil with no shading or unnecessary details; reasonable size. Accuracy:
Faithfulness of reproduction; structures are typical of specimen; proportions are reasonable.
Labeling/Labeling lines: Neat, drawn with a ruler; labeling lines are straight and do not cross
one another. Written on the right. Title:There is the inclusion of magnification, view or section
where appropriate; written below frame in all capital letters and double underlined.
*Discussion/Analysis- provides background information related to topic and explains key steps
and results. Do not repeat procedure. Use information in your results to help/authenticate your
discussion/explaination. Identify and explain relationships and patterns.
*Conclusion- short and to the point. Directly relates to your Aim.
*Limitations- experimental error in this experiment from surroundings and what was done that
affected the results.
*Reflections – what did you learn, how did this experiment impact your life/understanding etc.
(CXC example for information)
ASSESSMENT OF INVESTIGATION SKILLS
Proposal (Planning and Design)
The maximum marks available for the Proposal is 10 marks
The format for this part outlined below:
Observation/Problem/Research question stated
Hypothesis 2 marks
Aim 1 mark
Materials and Apparatus 1 mark
Method 2 marks
Controlled variable 1 mark
Expected Results 2 marks
Assumptions, Precautions/Sources of error/Limitations 1 mark
TOTAL 10 marks
Implementation (Analysis and Interpretation)
The maximum marks available for the Implementation 20 marks
The format for this part is shown below:
Method 1 mark
Results 4 marks
Discussion 5 marks
Limitation 3 marks
Reflection 5 marks
Conclusion 2 marks
TOTAL 20 marks
REPORTING FORMAT OF INVESTIGATION
PART A THE PROPOSAL (Planning and Design)
Statement of the Problem – Can be an observation, a problem
Hypothesis
Aim – Should be related to the hypothesis
Materials and Apparatus
Method – Should also include variables
Assumptions/Precautions/Possible sources of errors
Expected Results
PART B THE IMPLEMENTATION (Analysis and Interpretation)
Introduction – Background to the problem
Method - Linked to Part A (change of tense)
Results
Discussion – Explanations/Interpretations/Trends
Limitations
Reflections
Conclusion
