Chemistry of life: Apparatus, method and safety

Chemistry of life practical work develops careful scientific investigation skills.

• State a focused investigative question and a testable hypothesis.
• Identify the independent, dependent and controlled variables.
• Follow a repeatable method, record observations accurately and apply laboratory safety.
• Present results in a suitable table or graph and evaluate reliability, validity and limitations.

• Validity — whether the investigation tests what it claims to test.
• Reliability — whether repeated measurements produce consistent results.
• Variable — a factor that is changed, measured or controlled.

Worked example: Plan a small investigation related to Chemistry of life. Name the variables, outline numbered steps, design a results table and explain how repeated trials improve reliability.