Lesson 5: Conducting the Practical Investigation & Data Collection
Carrying out a practical biological investigation with direction into a biological context.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
Safe laboratory execution, precise measurement techniques, recording raw data immediately into structured tables, and observing qualitative changes.
Execute the practical investigation safely, collect quantitative data across 5 IV values with 3 repeats, and record qualitative observations.
🎥 Media Anchor & Pedagogical Scaffold
Biology Laboratory Execution & Data Collection
Video Clip: Identify Variables in a Scientific Investigation — controlling variables during data collection (MooMooMath and Science) (Runtime: 4m 03s).
🧠 1. Before Viewing (Activate & Predict)
How do you maintain focus and precision during a live multi-trial laboratory session?
👁️ 2. During Viewing (Watch With a Job)
- Controlled conditions: while you are collecting data, which variables from this video's examples must remain CONSTANT throughout every trial?
- Data table setup: based on the video's approach, design a results table for your biology investigation — include columns for your independent variable, each repeat, and mean.
- Anomalous results: if one data point is very different from the others, how would you handle it? Should you include it in your mean? Explain your reasoning.
🗣️ 3. After Viewing & Kaiako Move (Process & Apply)
Kaiako Move: Supervise practical lab session ensuring safety goggles, active water bath monitoring, and clean workspace maintenance.
Immediate Task: Complete Section 5 of your Investigation Log: Completed Raw Data Collection Table & Qualitative Log.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now: Investigation Recall (10 mins)
Write it down now, not later. Every year, results are lost between the bench and the desk.
Two minutes, before you touch equipment: sketch the exact table you will write into during the practical, with every column headed and units in place. If you have to design the table mid-experiment, you will miss a reading. Do it now.
📖 Activity 1: Investigation Planning & Practical Execution (25 mins)
Run it (25 min). Follow your own method exactly — including anything you now think is imperfect. Record raw values straight into your table as they happen. Also record qualitative observations: colour, bubbling, smell, anything unexpected. Those observations are evidence in the evaluation, not decoration.
Note the deviations. Every time you depart from your written method, write down what you actually did and why. That log is what makes the evaluation honest.
📝 Activity 2: Level 1 Biology Investigation Log & Merit/Excellence Scaffolding (20 mins)
Report — Section 5. Submit: (1) your completed raw data table with all trials; (2) your qualitative observation log; (3) your deviations log with a reason for each, or an explicit statement that the method was followed exactly.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
NCEA Level 1 Alignment: Direct preparation for NCEA Level 1 Biology — Internal (Carry out a biological investigation with direction). Emphasise complete variable control, accurate data processing, and clear biological explanations for Merit/Excellence grades.