BIOLOGY 3 – SPM EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
PAPER 3 : QUESTION 1
1. OBSERVATION
QUESTION : State two observations….
ANSWER : Write down what can be observed only.
- Usually have units and values
- Link MV and RV
- Do not do the analysis, comparison or conclusion.
2. INFERENCE
State one scientific explanation which corresponds to each observation
3. MEASURING AND USING NUMBERS
Record the reading of thermometer, stopwatch, measuring tools , ruler etc. from the
given diagram.
4. COMMUNICATING
Construct the table using the given titles and units, record the relevant data or calculation.
5. INTERPRETING DATA
State the relationship and explain
6. VARIABLES
Manipulated variable – 1st column of table/from question
Responding variable – 2nd 3rd column of table/ from question
Fixed variable – from question (1 is enough)
BIOLOGY 3 – SPM EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
CONTROLLING VARIABLES
Variables Method to handle the variables
(STATE) (MUST USE VERB and state the
INSTRUMENT used)
MANIPULATED Use different …
RESPONDING Record / measure RV using ….
(Observe/ read/ are not accepted)
CONTROLLED Use the same…/ Maintain …
7. MAKING HYPHOTHESIS
Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following criteria:
State the manipulated variable (MV)
State the responding variable (RV)
State the relationship between MV and RV
8. PREDICTING
QUESTION : If the experiment is repeated ….., predict the observation ……
ANSWER : One number or relevant statement
-increase
-decrease
-same/constant
-more than
-Less than
X more or less
9. DEFINING OPERATIONALLY
EXAMPLE : Based on the results of the experiment, what can you deduce about
vitamin C ?
YOUR ANSWER MUST BEGIN WITH : Vitamin C is …..
(Your answer must based on the results of the experiment, not exactly from the
theory)
BIOLOGY 3 – SPM EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
10. CLASSIFYING
Students must complete the given table according to the title . If the table is not
provided, construct the table according to the classification given .
11. USING SPACE-TIME RELATIONSHIP
State the changes of … with time
PAPER 3 : QUESTION 2
Students must have all of the following :
Problem statement
Aim of investigation/ objective
Hypothesis
Variables
List of apparatus
List of materials
Technique used
Experimental procedure or method
Presentation of data
Conclusion
1. PROBLEM STATEMENT
Must be in a question form.
(What/how/is/does…?)
2. AIM
Write down as in the question
To study/determine/investigate/estimate/correlate/analyse/ show/identify/ observe/test/
compare and contrast/ examine/ illustrate/ demonstrate
3. HYPOTHESIS
Able to state the hypothesis correctly based on the following criteria:
State the manipulated variable
State the responding variable
Relate the MV and RV
Higher………..higher/ lower
BIOLOGY 3 – SPM EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
Bigger……….. bigger/smaller
More………… lesser
4. VARIABLES
Manipulated variable:
Responding variable
Fixed variable: (1 is enough)
5. APPARATUS (can be used over again)
List down at least 3 apparatus .
MATERIALS (can be used only once)
List down at least 3 materials
6. TECHNIQUE
How to measure responding variable (RV)
√: (observe/ measure/ calculate/ test/ count/ weight) + record or record
X: see/read/determine
Word record must be use
State the apparatus used
Example : ( i ) Measure and record the volume of fruit juices needed to change the blue
DCPIP to colourless using a syringe.
( ii )Measure and record the initial and final temperature of the water in the
boiling tube using a thermometer.
7. PROCEDURE / METHOD
Write down each step clearly and systematically (include precautionary steps) .
K1: technique of assembling the apparatus to carry out the experiment
K2: technique of fixing the FV
K3: technique of changing the MV
K4: technique of measuring the RV
K5: precautionary method to increase accuracy/formula
8. PRESENTATION OF DATA
Construct the table with the correct titles and units (results – no need) .
BIOLOGY 3 – SPM EXAMINATION TECHNIQUES
9. CONCLUSION
State the hypothesis exactly as above + hypothesis is accepted.
*no discussion
*diagram for procedure not necessary
*there are activities without hypothesis and variables (rarely given as exam questions)
*strictly follow this sequence for report not what is suggested by question
