CSEC Essential: Your School-Based Assessment (SBA) report is worth 20% of your final grade. Proper recording and reporting demonstrates your understanding of experimental procedures, data analysis, and scientific communication. This guide explains the exact format and standards expected by CSEC examiners.
The Complete CSEC Physics SBA Report Structure
SBA Report Sections in Order
Experiment name and date performed
What you set out to investigate
Complete list with specifications
Labelled experimental setup
Step-by-step in past tense
Tables, calculations, graphs
Interpretation and error analysis
Answers the aim
Note: This exact order and structure is expected by CSEC examiners. Deviations can cost you marks!
1. Title & Date
- Title: Clear, descriptive, centered at the top
- Date: Date experiment was performed (not the report date)
- Format: “Experiment: [Name]” or “Investigation of [Topic]”
Example:
Experiment: Determining the Acceleration Due to Gravity Using a Simple Pendulum
Date: March 15, 2024
2. Aim/Problem Statement
One clear sentence stating what you intended to do. Must be specific and measurable.
✅ Good Examples:
- “To determine the value of acceleration due to gravity (g) using a simple pendulum.”
- “To investigate how the length of a pendulum affects its period of oscillation.”
- “To verify Ohm’s Law for a metallic conductor at constant temperature.”
❌ Poor Examples:
- “To learn about pendulums.” (Too vague)
- “To do an experiment with springs.” (Not specific)
- “To find g.” (Incomplete)
3. Apparatus & Materials
Complete list with specifications (range, precision, quantity). Use bullet points or numbered list.
- Retort stand with clamp
- String (approximately 1.5 m)
- Pendulum bob (50.0 g ± 0.1 g)
- Meter rule (±0.1 cm)
- Digital stopwatch (±0.01 s)
- Protractor (±1°)
- Vernier caliper (±0.01 cm) – for measuring bob diameter
Note: Including precision (±0.01 s) shows understanding of measurement limitations.
4. Diagram
Proper Physics Diagram Standards
Good Diagram
Clean lines, labelled, no shading
Avoid
Shading, colors, 3D effects
- Line drawing only – no shading or colors
- All equipment labelled with straight label lines
- Reasonable proportions (not necessarily to scale, but logical)
- Title: “Figure 1: Experimental setup for…”
5. Method/Procedure
Numbered steps written in past tense (you already did the experiment). Include:
- Setup instructions
- Measurement procedures
- How variables were controlled
- How errors were minimized
- Safety precautions (if applicable)
1. The retort stand was set up on a stable bench with the clamp positioned at the edge.
2. A length of string was measured to 50.0 cm using the meter rule and cut.
3. The pendulum bob was attached to one end of the string and secured in the clamp at the other end.
4. The length from the point of suspension to the center of the bob was verified as 50.0 cm (±0.1 cm).
5. To minimize reaction time error, the time for 20 complete oscillations was measured using the digital stopwatch…
6. This timing was repeated three times for each length, and the mean period was calculated.
Note: Written in past tense, passive voice is common in scientific reports.
6. Results & Data – The Most Critical Section
Data Tables
| Length, L/cm | Time for 20 oscillations, t/s | Period, T/s | T²/s² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30.0 | 22.0, 22.1, 22.1 | 1.103 | 1.216 |
| 40.0 | 25.4, 25.5, 25.4 | 1.272 | 1.618 |
| 50.0 | 28.4, 28.5, 28.5 | 1.423 | 2.025 |
Key Features:
- Clear headings with quantity, symbol, and unit (e.g., “Length, L/cm”)
- Consistent significant figures in each column
- Multiple trials shown (22.0, 22.1, 22.1)
- Calculated columns (Period, T²) with appropriate sig figs
- Units in headings only, not repeated in each cell
Graphs & Charts
CSEC Graph Standards
- Title: “Graph of [y-variable] against [x-variable]”
- Axes labelled with quantity and unit (e.g., “Length, L/cm”)
- Appropriate scale (1,2,5,10 per cm – avoid 3,7,9)
- Points plotted as crosses (×) or dots in circles (⊙)
- Line of best fit – straight line through points (not dot-to-dot)
- Graph occupies ≥75% of graph paper
CSEC Insight: Examiners check if your graph has a line of best fit (not connecting dots) and if you used it to calculate gradients. Drawing a triangle on the graph to show gradient calculation earns marks!
7. Analysis & Discussion
This section shows your understanding of the results. Include:
Calculations & Analysis
- Sample calculations shown step-by-step
- Gradient calculation from graph
- Determination of constants (like g from pendulum)
- Use of correct significant figures
Discussion Points
- Interpretation of graph shape
- Comparison with theoretical expectations
- Identification of patterns/relationships
The gradient of the T² vs L graph was calculated using two points on the line of best fit:
Point 1: (20.0 cm, 0.80 s²)
Point 2: (60.0 cm, 2.40 s²)
Gradient = (2.40 – 0.80) / (60.0 – 20.0) = 1.60 / 40.0 = 0.0400 s²/cm
Converting to SI units: 0.0400 s²/cm = 4.00 s²/m
Error Analysis & Limitations
Identify sources of error and suggest improvements. This demonstrates critical thinking.
Sources of Error:
1. Reaction time error in starting/stopping the stopwatch.
2. Parallax error when reading the meter rule to measure pendulum length.
3. Air resistance affecting pendulum motion, especially at larger amplitudes.
4. Finite amplitude – the formula T = 2π√(L/g) assumes small angles only.
Suggestions for Improvement:
1. Use a photogate timer to eliminate reaction time error.
2. Ensure eye level is at the scale when measuring to reduce parallax.
3. Use smaller angles of release (<10°) to minimize air resistance effects.
4. Time more oscillations (e.g., 50 instead of 20) to further reduce timing error.
8. Conclusion
Directly answers the aim in one or two clear sentences. Include quantitative results where appropriate.
✅ Good Conclusion Examples:
- “The acceleration due to gravity was determined to be 9.8 m/s², which agrees well with the accepted value of 9.81 m/s².”
- “The period of a simple pendulum is directly proportional to the square root of its length, confirming the relationship T ∝ √L.”
- “Ohm’s Law was verified for the resistor, as the graph of V against I gave a straight line through the origin with constant resistance of 10.0 Ω.”
❌ Poor Conclusion Examples:
- “The experiment was successful.” (Too vague)
- “We learned about pendulums.” (Doesn’t answer aim)
- “The results were good.” (Not specific or quantitative)
⚠️ Common CSEC SBA Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing significant figures – all measurements should have consistent, appropriate sig figs
- No units in tables or graphs
- Joining dots on graphs instead of drawing line of best fit
- Vague limitations like “human error” – be specific (parallax, reaction time, etc.)
- Conclusion doesn’t match aim – they must directly connect
- Method written as instructions instead of past tense report
CSEC Exam Practice: Recording & Reporting
🎯 SBA Reporting Checklist
- ☐ Title & Date – Clear and complete
- ☐ Aim – Specific and matches what was done
- ☐ Apparatus – Complete list with specifications
- ☐ Diagram – Labelled line drawing, no shading
- ☐ Method – Numbered steps, past tense, includes error minimization
- ☐ Data Tables – Proper headings, units, consistent sig figs, multiple trials
- ☐ Graphs – Properly scaled, labelled axes, points plotted, line of best fit
- ☐ Calculations – Sample shown, correct sig figs, gradient from graph
- ☐ Discussion – Interpretation, error analysis, improvements suggested
- ☐ Conclusion – Directly answers aim, quantitative, references results
- ☐ Overall – Neat, organized, logical flow, scientific language
Remember: Your SBA report is a scientific document. Be precise, thorough, and critical. Quality reporting can earn you valuable marks toward your final CSEC grade!