TITLE PAGE

Include a title for your paper. Your title can be your research question or your focused
research question. It contains the fewest possible words that adequately describe the
contents and/or purpose of your research paper.
Title ​ The research question is framed as a clear title
​ Add your candidate number (XX-XXXX for now)
​ Add the word count (<<3000 words excluding Charts and
diagrams, Data tables, Equations, formulas, and calculations,
Citations and references (whether parenthetical, footnotes, or
endnotes))
INTRODUCTION – WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?
The introduction explains why this research is relevant or necessary. Begin by describing
the background or prior knowledge. Present your hypothesis and research question at the
end of the introduction.
Background ​ Written in paragraph form
​ Research question and context
​ Background context or theory is relevant and focused
​ Context of the independent and dependent variables is relevant
and focused
Hypothesis & ​ Written in paragraph form
Research ​ A grammatically correct question about a precise relationship is
Question asked
​ Independent variable is present
​ Dependent variable or derived dependent variable is present
​ Variables are quantifiable
​ The hypothesis can be supported through scientific research and
reasoning
​ A relationship between the independent and dependent variables
is predicted
METHODS – WHAT DID YOU DO?
The methods section tells readers how you conducted your study. It includes information
about your variables, materials, and procedures. The “gold standard” of the methods
section is that it should enable readers to duplicate your study. Methods sections typically
contain lists and are written in past tense.
Brief ​ Brief intro written in paragraph form
Description ​ Sketches, diagrams, charts and photographs used to illustrate the
investigation
​ Preliminary or trial investigation is described and assessed

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Variables ​ Description of varying the independent variable
​ Sampling rate (range and intervals) of the independent variable
​ Description of measuring the dependent variable
​ A very brief description of why each controlled variable must be
kept constant is given
​ Method of controlling or monitoring each variable
​ Discussion of other factors that would need to be controlled
​ Techniques used to ensure adequate control (fair testing)

Procedure ​ Written in list form

​ Logical sequence
​ The protocol for collecting relevant data is present, including
sufficient repetitions given the nature of the system investigated
​ All materials are clearly listed with details (type, amount, size,
volume, concentration…) with uncertainties
​ What was done and an explanation of why is given for each step
​ How the independent variable was manipulated is clearly
described
​ How the listed controlled variables were kept controlled in the
experiment is described
​ The use and method of random sampling is described where
relevant
​ The number of dependent variable measurements and why this
amount is described
​ A very brief explanation about how experimental uncertainty is
calculated is given
​ Choice of data sources, in the case of databases, is explained
and their reliability is commented on.
​ Include the use of screenshots to explain how the data were
captured (in the case of investigations using databases and
simulations)
Safety & Ethics ​ Written in paragraph form
​ Comment on possible hazards, environmental, ethical and social
impacts of the work
​ Itemize how to minimize the impact
RESULTS - WHAT DID YOU FIND
Typically, the Results section contains only the findings, not any explanation of or
commentary on the findings. Results sections are usually written in the past tense. Make
sure all tables and figures are labeled and numbered separately. Captions go above tables
and beneath figures.

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Data Collection ​ Intro written in paragraph form
​ Collection of sufficient and relevant data to address the research
question
​ Appropriate raw quantitative data is recorded in a clearly
designed and drawn table
​ A descriptive title with the variables is given for the data table
​ Column headings include the quantity, units and uncertainties
​ Data is recorded to an appropriate degree of precision and
consistent with uncertainties
​ Qualitative data is recorded in the data table or separately as
appropriate (images/drawings correctly labelled)
​ Concise presentation (of text, tables, calculations, graphs, other
illustrations)
​ Use of correct scientific units and their symbols
​ Appropriate formatting of data: units are correct and uncertainties
are identified; consistent number of decimal places or significant
figures
​ Degrees of precision in the instruments used
Data ​ Clear and precise processed data that addresses the research
Processing question
​ Sample calculations are demonstrated for the reader
​ Calculations are carried out correctly and allow construction of an
appropriate graph
​ Some statistical significance test is run to prove data (note: this
doesn’t apply to all physics labs)
​ Consideration of errors and uncertainties
​ Variation in the results, as shown by propagation of
uncertainty, uncertainty bars, maximum and minimum lines
of best fit
​ Ranges (maximum value minus minimum value)
​ An appropriate response to outlier data.
​ Processing that is efficiently presented and at the DP level for the
topic
Graphical ​ Appropriate graphing techniques including adequate scale, title
Analysis and labeled axes and unit
​ The dependent variable is appropriately graphed against the
independent variable
​ Realistic trend lines in presented data
​ Each graph has a paragraph discussing the relationship(s) and
trends shown

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Uncertainty ​ Uncertainty of equipment is completed for all materials
analysis ​ Uncertainty calculations are completed accurately
​ Error bars showing the uncertainties are included on the graph for
individual data points are custom
​ How uncertainties were determined is stated below the graph if
needed and explained if not included
​ Maximum and minimum lines of best fit are drawn if appropriate
DISCUSSION – WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
In this section, you summarize your main findings, comment on those findings, and connect
them to your hypothesis. You also discuss limitations of your study, and use these
limitations as reasons to suggest additional, future research.
Conclusions ​ A valid explanation of trends in the results or correlations of the
results
​ A conclusion that addresses the research question in the
proposed context
​ Evidence that sense has been made of the data and/or results,
leading to a conclusion that is realistic
​ The extent to which a hypothesis is supported by the data is
explained
​ A discussion of the impact of uncertainties
​ A discussion of the reliability of the data (which may indicate an
appreciation of the strengths of the data)
​ Outlier data or irregularities in the data are addressed
​ The significance of uncertainties and meaning of the trend line is
determined
​ A relevant scientific context, with references from the literature
that help explain the investigation’s outcomes
​ Comparison with general models and a proposed explanation in
the context of physics.
Evaluation ​ Written in paragraph form
​ A clear understanding of the topic in the suggested context and of
the methodology used.
​ Methodological and procedural weaknesses and limitations
​ Evidence supporting the identified weaknesses and limitations
​ Evaluation of the relative impact of weaknesses and limitations
​ Where limitations are determined to be significant, specific
improvements are proposed
​ Improvements effectively address the limitations (not just to be
more careful)
​ Suggestions are present for equipment with over a 5% uncertainty

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 ​ Suggestions are specific (i.e. cannot just say “complete more
trials”)
​ Further research ideas are stated with clear independent and
dependent variables
REFERENCES
Your report should have a complete reference list cited in a consistent citation format. If you
have taken any theory, tables, or figures from other sources, cite them. All references
should be cited in the text and vice-versa
References ​ All information is clearly supported with references
​ Reliable scientific sources, referenced with sufficient detail to be
traced (e.g. retrieval dates for online sources)
​ At least 3 appropriate sources with authors have been used
​ There is no plagiarism
​ References list is appropriately formatted

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