IGCSE Coursework August 2011
• The write up for this experiment should be word
processed if possible
• A hard copy should be submitted by next Monday
• No excuses will be accepted and I will not accept
just an electronic copy – so don’t even ask!
• Each page (including any graph) should have a
header with your name and the title of the
experiment
Assessment criteria for IGCSE practical assessments
The skills assessed are C1 to C4.
C1: Using and organising techniques, apparatus and
materials
C2: Observing, measuring and recording
C3: Handling experimental observations and data.
C4: Planning, carrying out and evaluating investigations
Note:
• C1 is for following instructions.
• C4 is for planning your own experiment.
• You can’t be marked for C1 and C4 on the
same piece of coursework
Don’t worry . . .
• If your marks aren’t great.
• Or if you’ve do more coursework in Biology!
• All you need are 2 good marks for each
category.
• You could get this from as few as 4 pieces of
work!
C1: Using and organising techniques,
apparatus and materials
2- Simple one stage instructions for an experiment can be followed. If
many instructions for an experiment are given some of it can be
followed but help may be given to complete the task. The instructions
may be written, oral or from a diagram. The apparatus and materials
are used properly however some reminders may be given on safety.
4- Can follow the instructions for an experiment with many stages
without help. The apparatus is used properly with no reminders on
safety.
6- Can follow the instructions for an experiment with many stages
without help and can modify or adjust one step in order to complete
the task. The adjustment must be taken as a result of the previous
instructions. The apparatus is used properly with no reminders on
safety.
My observations
• This is just for following instructions safely and
accurately.
• Most people get at least 4 marks.
• To get 6, you have to show that you have
modified the experiment in some way as you
have done it.
• EVERYONE should be able to get a 6.
C2: Observing, measuring and recording
2- Can make observations or take readings in an experiment when help
is given. The data obtained can be recorded in a table when the table is
provided in a full form including headings and units.
4-Can make observations and readings in an experiment with only a
brief outline of what is expected. The observations can be made
without help but accuracy may be lacking. The results can be recorded
in a table when the headings only are given.
6- Makes good observations and measurements that are accurate. For
example readings repeated, good detail included etc. The results are
recorded accurately in a table and no help is given in the set up of the
table.
My Observations
• This is for recording your results properly.
• PUT THEM IN A TABLE . . . Don’t forget the
units
• Most people should get 6 for this . . .
• To get 6, you should really have observations
as well as numbers.
C3: Handling experimental observations and
data.
2- The results in an experiment are processed e.g. calculations carried
out, graphs plotted but detailed help is needed or if no help is given the
results are incompletely processed. A simple conclusion is drawn from
the experiment.
4- The results in an experiment are processed and only very brief and
partial help is given. e.g. the student is told the axis to use in the graph.
The graph may be plotted without help but there are some inaccuracies.
A conclusion is drawn from the experiment which is consistent with the
results. The patterns in the results are noted.
6- The results are processed correctly without any assistance.
Anomalous results are noticed and commented upon. The sources of
experimental error are noted and commented upon. The conclusions
are written in a way that recognises trends and relationships.
My observations
•
•
•
•
This is the hardest place to get 6
Most people get 2 or 4.
4 is a good mark!
Its easier to get good marks if you plot a
graph.
• Mark the anomalous results AND COMMENT
ON THEM! Ignore them in any calculations.
• Try to identify a trend. “The higher the … the
bigger the …”
C4: Planning, carrying out and evaluating
investigations
2 – An experiment is planned and carried out but the variables may not
be fully controlled or measured. The method is adjusted but with no
real direction.
4-An experiment with more than one stage is planned and carried out.
Most of the variables will be controlled or measured. The original plan
is commented upon critically and changes may be carried out in the
method that is relevant and positive.
6- A logical experimental plan is produced and carried out. In the
experiment there will be more than one variable to be controlled or
measured. The procedure is fully evaluated and improvements are
suggested. The method may be modified during the experimental work
and this is fully justified. Unexpected results are dealt with e.g. left out
of a line of best fit etc.
My observations
• YOU plan the experiment. Give all the detail
you think you need – then give some more!
• Think VERY carefully about your variables.
What will you change? What will you
measure? How will you control everything
else?
• You will get the best marks if you get some
anomalous results to discuss.
• You will get better marks if you modify your
experiment slightly whilst you are doing it.
Coursework is a
game!
If you want to win you have to play
clever!
IGCSE Physics COURSEWORK
Investigating how the time for 1 oscillation of
a pendulum varies with the length of the
pendulum
Skills assessed
C2: Observing, measuring & recording
C3: Interpreting & evaluating experimental observations and data
• You will work in groups of 3 or 4.
• Set up a pendulum using a clamp stand.
• The time for one oscillation is the time taken
to travel from point A back to point A. See the
diagram.
• You will need to measure this time accurately
for one oscillation at different pendulum
lengths.
• Record all of your results in a table. Make sure
you do enough lengths to determine if there is
a relationship between the length of the
pendulum and the time taken for one
oscillation.
• Write a conclusion for the investigation and
evaluate it fully.
• Your write up should have:
•
– Your results table
– Graph of the results
– Conclusion
– Evaluation
Remember it’s a game!
The rules don’t give extra points for doing
something original or different.
Use the rules to help you - not to make
things difficult!