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How do I write an investigation report?

Variables
Identification of variables

Selection of Variables

A list of the appropriate controlled, independent and dependent variables selected.

Independent variable

Independent variable is variable that I am going to change to see the effect of the result. The independent
variable for this investigation is the type of fuel. I am going to use three different types of fuel which I would
do different sets of method for different types of fuel.

Dependent variable

Dependent variable is what I measure for every change in the independent variable. The dependent
variable of this investigation is the temperature change of the fuel against time. I will measure the
temperature by a thermometer to see the change as time passed.

Control variables

Discuss 3 or more factors that you must control (keep the same) in your experiment.
For each factor, explain why and how you control, as well as how your dependent variable would be
affected if it was NOT controlled. This section should be quite long.

One of my first control variables is the time. I have to take a measurement for every 30 seconds for every
test. I can control the time by using a scientific timer, where I would check the time and take measures
when times up. The test will be in 3 minutes total, which includes six measures. I must control this variable
because reaction changes in time, and if the time isn’t correct, some measurement might be higher or
lower than others as it is measure at an inaccurate time. If it was not controlled, the results of the test are
unreliable which is not a fair test.

My second control variable is the mass of the fuel. I will make sure the test is going to use up around 1g of
fuel. To be able to control the mass, I will find out the mass of the fuel before the test and then I would minus
it with the mass of the fuel after the test, which gives me the mass of fuel used up in the test.

My third control variable is the volume of the water. I will control the mass of water at 100g at starting point. I
will measure the mass of water in a beaker with an electric balance. I have to control this variable because

Research Question
A focused research question to be tested

How does different types of fuel affect the energy release?

Plan

I am going to heat up 100g of water in beaker with the fuels under it. I will measure the temperature of
water with a thermometer every 30 seconds. I would change the fuel and see the difference of the
temperature and make recording.

Hypothesis
A testable prediction and explanation of this prediction using scientific reasoning
If the fuel have more energy, then the higher the temperature rises, because (scientific
explanation with in-text reference)

You should explain your prediction using the collision theory that explains how chemical reactions occur.
You must use correct science terminology such as kinetic energy, activation energy, catalyst, etc. Diagrams
an graphs may help support your explanations.

Materials
An annotated diagram.

Method
A clear list of instructions that allows for sufficient data collection

This section can include an additional large clearly annotated (labeled) diagram(s) of the critical stage(s) of
the investigation.

These instructions must be clear and to the point, allowing anyone to read and repeat your experiment
exactly as you did and (hopefully!) obtain similar results.

1. Pour 100ml of water in a beaker


2. Measure the mass of the fuel, in this case, the alcohol burner with an electrical balance, record the weight.
3. Place a Pipe-Clay triangle on top of a ………….
4. Place the beaker of water on top of the Pipe-Clay Triangle
5. Find the temperature of the water and make sure every test it has the same temperature to start with
6. Light the alcohol burner with a lighter
7. Place the alcohol burner under the beaker, inside the……, start the timer at the same time
8. Keep the thermometer in place in the middle of the water while the alcohol burner is heating the beaker
9. Take measure every 30 seconds, check the time with timer, make sure the thermometer is in place
10. End when test reach 180 seconds,
11. Weight the used alcohol burner again with a electric balance, record the new mass
12. Minus the Pre-Test mass by after test mass, record it
13. Clean the beaker
14. Redo Steps 1-13 with three different alcohol burners; repeat the test for three times for the
same fuel. Make sure to use new beaker for a new test.
Data
An organised table of raw data that includes quantity headings, units and attention paid to
decimal places.

Temperature (Celsius)
Time (Second) Take 1 Take 2 Take 3
0
30
60
90
120
150

Analysis
A presentation of raw data and/or processed and transformed data using numerical and visual
methods e.g. example calculations (formula, data, answer with units)

Include example calculations for each step in the analysis. Include formula, data and answer with
appropriate units.

Include graph(s) with your independent variable on the x-axis and your dependent variable on the y-axis.
This graph should have a best fit (trend) line to better represent the data. Remember to provide axis labels
and units, and a graph title.

Describe your graph, using numbers from your data and discuss both expected and unexpected trends in
your graph in comparison with expected values and/or outcomes.

Conclusion
A concluding statement about how your Independent variable affects your dependent variable.

Include a brief statement on whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect with links made to your
analysis. You must refer to both the outcomes of your analysis and the scientific explanation in your
hypothesis

Evaluation
A discussion of at least 3 weaknesses/limitations in your method or equipment,
A discussion of suggestions for improvements for each weakness/limitation listed

This is a formal analysis of your experiment reflecting the scientific method that can include human
limitations.

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