diff --git a/docs/sch3uz.md b/docs/sch3uz.md index b64bb0a..235f5d1 100644 --- a/docs/sch3uz.md +++ b/docs/sch3uz.md @@ -2,26 +2,93 @@ The course code for this page is **SCH3UZ**. -## Designing an experiment +## Designing a scientific investigation ### Scope -### Background information +The scope of an experiment goes at the very beginning of it. It includes a general introduction to the topic of investigation as well as personal interest. ### Research question -### Hypothesis +The research question of an experiment is a hyper-focused and specific question related to the topic. It contains and asks about the effect of an **independent variable** on a **dependent variable**. + +### Background information and hypothesis + +!!! note + This section can instead be placed immediately before the research question depending on the experiment. + +In this section, scientific theories are provided to help the reader understand the rationale of the question, the design of the experiment, and data processing measures. If any theoretical/literature values are used, they should be introduced here. + +A hypothesis consists of a justified prediction of the expected outcome and should be integrated with any background information. ### Variables +!!! definition + - The **independent** variable is the variable that is explicitly changed to attempt to affect the dependent variable. + - The **dependent** variable is the variable that is directly monitored and measured in the experiment and is expected to change if the independent variable changes. + - **Controlled** variables (also known as "control variables") are variables that should be kept constant so they do not affect the dependent variable. + +The independent variable, dependent variable, and any controlled variables should be listed under this section. + ### Materials +A list of materials and equipment should be listed here, as well as their precision. If a controlled variable needs to be measured, any instruments that would be used to do so should also be listed here. + ### Procedure +A clear, detailed, and concise set of instructions written in *past tense* should be placed in this section as either a numbered list or descriptive paragraph. To reduce confusion, if a numbered list is used, referring directly to numbers should be avoided, and referring to numbers recursively must *never* happen. A procedure must include: + + - a clear, titled, labelled, and annotated diagram + - instructions for recording data (including for controlled variables) + +If necessary, a "setup" section can be added as preparatory steps should not be listed in the main procedure. + ### Data collection +Data should be collected in an organised and titled table that should be prepared before the experiment. To reduce plagiarism, the data table must be verified by a teacher before leaving the lab space. After verification, **no new data** can be added. During an experiment that spans multiple days, this data must be verified every day. The data table must include: + + - units with uncertainty, typically in the table header + - *qualitative* data (quantitative data can be optional in some experiments) + - repeated data/controlled variables, typically in the title + +Only **raw data** prior to any processing or calculations, with the exception of averages, should be present in the data table. + +A data table should be as concise as possible, and redundancy should be minimised. In that vein, trial numbers should *not* be recorded unless that data is relevant. + +!!! example + **Effect of Fat Content on Sugar Content in Ice Cream** + + | Fat Content (g ± 0.1 g) | Sugar Content (g ± 0.1 g) | Notes | + | --- | --- | --- | + | 2.0 | 5.1 | - strawberry ice cream | + | 0.1 | 2.3 | - mint chocolate chip ice cream | + ### Data processing +A single sample calculation showing all steps should be present and clearly explained. The rest of the data can be processed without describing any steps. A **single** graph may be included if needed. + +Some general rules include: + + - units and uncertainties must be present in all calculations + - simple operations such as averages and conversions (e.g., g to kg) do not need to be explained + - the graph, if any, should span a full page and should directly answer the research question + +A final, reorganised, and processed data table should be present here, showing only relevant information. + +### Conclusion and evaluation + +This section should be free of any new background information or calculations. It should, in sequence: + + - summarise the results of the experiment without connecting it to the hypothesis + - identify whether the results of the experiment agree or disagree with the hypothesis + - evaluate 3–5 systematic errors (usually) present in the experiment, both in the procedure and in data collection/processing, in **decreasing** order of impact to the experiment + +The evaluation of systematic errors should include: + + - a description of the error + - how the error affected the data + - how the error affected the final result + - how the error can be remedied with available school resources ## 11.1 - Uncertainties and errors in measurement and results Please see [SL Physics#Uncertainties and errors](/sph3u7/#12-uncertainties-and-errors) for more information.