Experiment Evaluation Checklist

The experiment as a whole

•Clear independent variable

•Clear dependent variable

•Has proper controls

•Appropriate number of trials

•Safety followed

•Clean-up completed

•Uses metric measurements

•Write up is neat and organized

•Appropriate vocabulary and language mechanics

Question – the problem

•Stated as a question, for example What is the effect of (independent variable) on (dependent variable)?

•Clear and precise

Hypothesis – what do you think the results will be

•Relates directly to the question

•Clear and concise statement, i.e. if the (independent variable) is (how changed) then (dependent variable) will (describe).

Reasons for hypothesis – support for your guess of the results

•Clear and well explained

•Reasonable

•Goes back to question

Materials – list of supplies and equipment

•Amounts and sizes given

•Diagrams if needed

Procedure

•Step-by-step

Data table and graph – displays information collected

•Appropriate graph for data

•Title, labels, and units given

•Key, if needed

Conclusion – your answer to the question

•Purpose of experiment stated

•Refers back to the question

•Tells if hypothesis is proven or disproved

•Major findings come directly from the data

•Doesn’t bring in new hypothesis

•Recommendations made

•Possible error noted

Evidence – how your data supports your answer

•Supports the conclusions with data

•Gives numbers, percents and ratios