PARAMETERS
• STUDENTS (mandatory)– ANSI Z87 indirect vent chemical splash goggles– Writing instrument(s)
• STUDENTS (optional)– Timepiece– Ruler– Non-programmable calculator
NOTE: Chemicals requiring safety clothing will not be used.
THE COMPETITION
Supervisors will provide teams with identical sets of materials
If materials are given to teams in a container the container is considered part of the materials
COMPETITION (cont.)
Nature of the experiment is determined by a question/topic area assigned by Supervisor
• Same for all teams• Allow for experiments involving independent
and dependent variables
SCORINGExperimental Design Rubric• Max. Pts.: B – 61 C - 66• Tiebreaker Sequence
1. Variables2. Procedure3. Analysis of results4. Graph5. Data table
• Teams not addressing the question/topic will be ranked behind others
1. Statement of Problem – 4 pts.
_ Not a yes/no question_ Include independent and dependent variables_ Problem is clearly testable_ Written in a clear and concise manner
2. Hypothesis
_ Predicts a relationship or trend_ Gives specific direction to the prediction_ Includes both independent and dependent
variables_ Provides a rational for the hypothesis
3a. Independent Variable – 3 pts
_ Correctly identified_ Operationally defined_ Has at least 3 levels
3a. Controlled Variables – 4 pts
_ One point for each correctly defined constant up to a maximum of 4 points
4. Experimental Control – 2 pts(where appropriate)
_ Correctly identified_ Makes logical sense for the experiment
5. Materials – 3 pts
_ All materials used are listed_ No extra materials are listed_ Listed separately from procedure
6. Procedure – 6 pts
_ Well organized_ In logical sequence_ Enough information is given to make
experiment replicable_ Includes diagrams_ Has repeated trials
7. Qualitative Observations – 4 pts
Includes observations about_ Results_ Procedure/deviations from procedure_ Results not relating to dependent variable_ Things that happen during course of
experiment
8. Quantitative Data – 6 pts
_ All raw data is provided_ All data has units_ Condensed table with most important data_ Table is correctly labeled_ Example calculations are included_ Uses correct significant figures (C division)
9. Graph(s) – 6 points
_ Appropriate type of graph_ Has a title_ Labeled correctly (2 pts)_ Units included_ Appropriate scale
10. Statistics – 2/6 ptsB Division – 2 pts_ Uses average, median, or mode_ Statistic used is appropriate for dataC Division – 6 pts_ Uses average, median, or mode_ Statistic used is appropriate for data_ Measure of central tenency_ Measure of variation_ Regression analysis_ Other appropriate statistic used
11. Analysis of Data – 4 pts
All statements must be supported by data collected
_ All data is discussed and interpreted_ Unusual data points commented upon_ Trends in data explained_ Enough detail provided to explain data
12. Experimental Errors – 3 pts
_ Reasons for errors_ Important information about data collection_ Effect of errors on data
13. Conclusion – 4 pts
_ Hypothesis is evaluated by given data_ Hypothesis is restated_ Reasons to accept/reject hypothesis_ All statements are supported by data