10 Questions
What should be written first when writing a report about an experiment?
Purpose of the experiment
What is the primary importance of having a procedure in an experiment?
To ensure the experiment can be repeated
What is the main difference between a scientific experiment and simply messing around with chemicals?
Having a well-defined hypothesis
What should be done when an experiment produces unexpected results?
Investigate the reason for the variation
What is the primary purpose of documenting the results of an experiment?
To allow others to evaluate the significance of the experiment
What is the primary goal of sharing the results of an experiment?
To ensure that the experiment can be recreated by others
What is the purpose of including a hypothesis in a written report?
To give an answer to the question posed by the purpose
What is the correct order of the parts of a written report?
Purpose, hypothesis, materials, procedure, results, conclusion
What is the equivalent of circling a final answer in a scientific report?
The conclusion
What is the purpose of including data profiles in a scientific report?
To show the work and steps taken to obtain the results
Study Notes
Ultimate Goals of an Experiment
- The ultimate goals of an experiment are to share the findings, which requires the ability to recreate the experiment.
- A written report should include the purpose, hypothesis, procedure, and data.
- The report should be concise, with one of the most famous reports in scientific history, the paper on DNA by Watson and Crick, being only a few pages long.
The Parts of a Written Report
- The purpose of the experiment should be included, which is the reason behind the experiment.
- The hypothesis should be included, which is an answer to the question posed by the purpose.
- Materials and procedure should be clearly stated, avoiding unexpected introductions of new ingredients.
- Results and conclusion should be included at the end, with data profiles showing the work and the conclusion summarizing the findings.
When to Write What
- Write the purpose of the experiment before anything else.
- Write the hypothesis, or what you think will happen.
- Stop and think about the experiment, and write the procedure.
- Make relevant data tables before performing the experiment.
- Write down important data during the experiment, and make note of any errors that may have occurred.
- Analyze the data and write the conclusion after the experiment is complete.
Avoiding Pointlessness and Ensuring Repeatability
- Having a hypothesis in mind gives the experiment focus and direction.
- A procedure is essential for repeatability, and ensures that the experiment is not just a coincidence.
- Good science tests one variable at a time, and controlling for everything else ensures the same result.
- If the experiment does not get the same result, it means there is another variable at play.
The Importance of Results
- The results of an experiment can help other scientists determine if the work is worth it.
- The results should answer questions about the experiment, such as how much, what kind, and whether it was worth the effort.
- The results can also help determine if the work is commercially viable.
Understand the importance of reproducibility in scientific experiments and how it relates to the scientific method. Learn about the significance of sharing experimental results and the role of verification in science.
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