Key Science Skills

• What is the title of the experiment?

  The title is the name of the experiment or the investigation question being researched.
• Why is an introduction important in a scientific report?

  It provides a brief explanation or reason for the investigation and relevant background concepts.
• What should the aim of an experiment start with?

  The aim should start with the word 'To'.
• What does the aim of an experiment describe?

  It describes the purpose of the experiment and what you hope to find out.
• What is a hypothesis in a scientific investigation?

  A hypothesis is a testable statement about what may happen during the investigation.
• How should a hypothesis be structured?

  It should use the format 'If the [independent variable] affects the [dependent variable], then [what you think will happen]'.
• What are the different methodologies for scientific investigations in VCE Biology?

  • Case study
  • Classification and identification
  • Controlled experiment
  • Correlation study
  • Fieldwork
  • Literature review
  • Modelling
  • Product, process or system development
  • Simulation
• What must you do when identifying the methodology used in an investigation?

  You must justify your selection of the methodology.
• What should the materials section of a scientific report include?

  A specific list of all materials required, including measurements and concentrations.
• What are the key characteristics of a method in a scientific report?

  • Numbered steps
  • Clear and concise
  • Written in past tense
  • Understandable by someone not involved
  • Repeatable exactly
  • No personal language used
• How should results be presented in a scientific report?

  Results are usually shown in table form.
• What are the requirements for constructing a table in the results section?

  A table must have a line between data and heading, a line separating columns, units in the heading, and be boxed in.
• What should be included in the discussion section of a scientific report?

  • Analyze and discuss results
  • Discuss trends and science behind them
  • Identify mistakes made during the experiment
  • Suggest improvements
  • Comment on reliability, accuracy, and validity
• What is the purpose of the conclusion in a scientific report?

  The conclusion answers the aim and hypothesis in one to two sentences.
• How should references and acknowledgements be formatted in a scientific report?

  References should be written in APA 7 style, and acknowledgements should list people who helped with the experiment.