This document provides a checklist for writing up experiments, outlining the key sections and criteria for each section. The sections include the aim, prediction, diagram, method, results, conclusion, and evaluation. For each section, criteria are listed such as describing the aim, making a clear prediction with reasoning, following diagram rules, using appropriate terminology in the method, recording results neatly in a table with units and labels, linking results to the aim in the conclusion, and suggesting ways to improve reliability and reduce errors in the evaluation.

1. Writing up experiments checklist

2. AIM: a description of what you are trying to find out ☺ I have briefly described what I am trying to find out. ☺ I have explained the purpose of the experiment.

3. PREDICTION: a precise statement about what you think is going to happen, relating to the aim ☺ I have made a prediction and explained my reasoning using relevant scientific knowledge. ☺ I have not contradicted myself. ☺ I have not used ‘woolly’ sentences, e.g. “I think it might…”

4. DIAGRAM: shows the equipment you intend to use ☺ I have followed the rules for drawing diagrams.

5. METHOD: a description of how the experiment was carried out; can be written as bullet points ☺ I have written short, clear sentences describing how I carried out the experiment (past tense). ☺ I have written in the impersonal tense and have avoided sentences that include ‘I’ or ‘we’, e.g. calcium carbonate was added to hydrochloric acid. ☺ I have explained why I have carried out certain procedures. ☺ I have used appropriate How Science Works terminology.

6. RESULTS: tell you what happened during your experiment ☺ I have chosen a suitable method for recording my results, e.g. a table. ☺ I have recorded all relevant observations. ☺ I have recorded my results neatly in a table which includes: Appropriate column headings. Units in the heading, not written with the results in the table. A border drawn with a ruler. The independent variable in the left hand side column. ☺ I have included any calculated values in my table.

7. CONCLUSION: a description of what you have found out ☺ I have described what my results show. ☺ I have clearly linked this to the aim of the experiment. ☺ I have highlighted any anomalous results. ☺ I have tried to explain the reason for my results using appropriate theory. ☺ If I have made a prediction, I have said whether my results agree or not.

8. EVALUATION: a summary of how the experiment could be improved to fully support the desired aim ☺ I have commented on the reliability of my results and suggested ways that I could check the reliability of my results. ☺ I have suggested how I could improve the method to make my results more accurate. ☺ I have suggested ways to reduce errors.