Background
These samples were submitted by two F6 students coming from the same task group.
The student’s task is to verify momentum conservation in 2D collision. Even though the principle of momentum conservation is known, this experiment is a great challenging task to student. It offers student opportunities to display the process skills one has developed, which involves:
(1) designing experiment;
(2) selecting appropriate apparatus;
(3) making observations and data recordings;
(4) analysing data;
(5) interpreting date; and
(6) communicating the results.
The main difficulty is to make an accurate velocity measurement before and after collision. The collision will occur in a very short time interval. Thus measuring device needs to have a time resolution that is able to record velocity change within this short interval. Students performed the task after school from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm. In the first session, they were asked to design a possible set up for the experiment. They were also asked to suggest methods of measurement and choose appropriate equipment for making measurement. In the second session, they set up the apparatus, made observation and recorded data from measurement. After that, students were encouraged to discuss the preliminary result. In the third session, they refined the set up to improve the experiment.
Finally, they were asked to submit individual written reports within 2 weeks. The following items are noted for group discussion:
„
Set up
Video camera
1

„ Making your comment to assess the individual report based on the following items and guiding questions.
ƒ
Title of experiment
ƒ Procedure
ƒ Data recording and presentation
ƒ Data analysing and calculation
ƒ Conclusion
ƒ
Discussion
1.
Do they choose appropriate apparatus / devices / software for the experiment?
2.
Do they know which parameters to be measured in the experiment?
3.
Do they recognize the limitations posed by apparatus / devices / software?
4.
Do they demonstrate a good understanding of the procedures?
5.
Do they show any attempt to reduce random / systematic error in the experiment?
6.
Do they describe the procedure clearly of how they obtain the set of data from the measurement?
7.
Do they analyse the data scientifically?
8.
Do they make scientific conclusion based only on experiment?
9.
Do they present the results logically and scientifically?
10.
Do data are quoted with appropriate number of significant figure and unit?
11.
Do they report any sources of error in the experiment?
12.
Give positive feedbacks and constructive comments to students.
13.
Suggest a teaching strategy to be adopted to improve the students’ process skills.
14.
How to avoid the similar mistakes encountered by next cohort of students?
2

Group
/12/2008
1. Election of a leader and a reporter.
2. In the first 20 minutes, i. Read the lab reports in 10 minutes ii. Prepare some general comments for individual report (A or B sample lab report).
Use a few sentences to comment the performance of individual report ii. Prepare some general comments on the overall performance of the students.
3

3. In the last 25 minutes, i. Prepare specific comments and feedback for individual students
(A or B students). Write your comments and feedback on the sample lab reports. ii. Refer to the general comments made in 3(ii). Identify which parts of skills need following up. Discuss and suggest a teaching strategy to follow the feedback.
Suggested following up actions:
4

Group discussion: Task 2
Sample A - Conservation of momentum in 2D P.1

Sample A - Conservation of momentum in 2D P.2

Sample A - Conservation of momentum in 2D P.3

Sample A - Conservation of momentum in 2D P.4

Sample A - Conservation of momentum in 2D P.5