EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Science Olympiad Summer InstitutePhoenix, AZ

July 18 – 22, 2011

DESCRIPTION

Determine a team’s ability to design, conduct, and report the findings of an experiment

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

3b. Dependent Variable – 3 pts

_ Correctly defined (2 pts)_ Operationally defined

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

14. Applications/Further Research – 4 pts

_ Improvement of experiment_ Alternative interpretation of data_ Future experiments_ Practical application(s) of information

discovered from experiment