Controlled Assessment Unit
Investigative Skills Assessment - ISA
• An ISA is the Controlled
Assessment Unit for
Science.
• It is worth 25% of your
GCSE.
• There is no tier of
assessment so grades
range from U - A*.
• You need to complete one
ISA per GCSE but there
are three available ISA’s
for each GCSE.
• Each ISA is made up of 4
parts
–
–
–
–
Research
Section 1 exam
Practical
Section 2 exam
• ISA’s are done in lesson
time and take
approximately 5 lessons.
• Your best ISA grade will
be the mark sent to the
exam board.
Controlled Assessment Unit - CAU
Investigative Skills Assessment - ISA
1
2
3
4
5
• Introduce the context of the investigation and begin planning (you
can continue this for homework)
• Complete the planning sheet
• ISA section 1 exam and write a blank table under test conditions.
• Complete practical and draw a graph of your results under test
conditions.
• ISA section 2 exam
You must ensure that you in class for these lessons.
ISA - Lesson 1
CONTEXT AND PLANNING
1
You will be given a context like the one below in the first lesson.
Context:
• Vitamin C is a nutrient needed to build proteins, which help wounds heal. As a
government advisor for the Department of Health, you have been asked to provide
advice hospitals in the UK on the best way to provide the most of vitamin C in the
food given to patients.
• Some dietary advisors suggest that raw vegetable provide more vitamin C than
cooked ones, whereas others suggest that cooking vegetables for longer reduces
the amount of Vitamin C in them.
Hypothesis:
•
The amount of vitamin C in vegetables depends on how long it has been
cooked for.
ISA - Lesson 1
1
CONTEXT AND PLANNING
It is important that you understand the context as this will help you in your planning and later on
in answering questions in Section 2 of written paper.
Context:
• Vitamin C is a nutrient needed to build proteins, which help wounds heal. As a government
advisor for the Department of Health, you have been asked to provide advice hospitals in the
UK on the best way to provide the most of vitamin C in the food given to patients.
• Some dietary advisors suggest that raw vegetable provide more vitamin C than cooked ones,
whereas others suggest that cooking vegetables for longer reduces the amount of Vitamin C
in them.
You may be asked a question similar to this
in the section 2 exam:
•How could the results from your investigation
be useful in the context that you have
researched?
•You may use information from your Candidate
Research Notes to help you to answer this
question.
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
An idea from the research has been related to the
context
2
An idea from the research has been related to the
context and there is a simple explanation of how the
idea can be applied and used in the given context
3
An idea from the research has been related to the
context and there is a detailed explanation of how
this idea can be applied in the given context
ISA - Lesson 1
• Research and Planning
1
Research:
•Once you have been given the context of the investigation you will need to research:
–one or two possible methods of carrying out the investigation
–the context that has been set
–any health and safety issues with the method(s)
•These research notes must be written on the Candidate Research notes sheet
provided by AQA.
•Your research and planning must be finished not later than next lesson, including
homework.
•Your teacher will check your notes before you take the Section 1 exam to ensure you
have not included an prohibited information.
Remember these are only supposed to be brief notes but they should include
information on the factors such as the range, interval and number of repeat readings
that you should take, and the variables that need to be controlled.
ISA - Lesson 2
• Complete Planning
2
Planning:
•Complete your planning on the Candidate Research notes sheet, you must include:
–a possible method of carrying out the investigation
–the context that has been set
–any health and safety issues with the method(s)
•Your teacher will check your notes before you take the Section 1 exam to ensure you
have not included an prohibited information.
Remember these are only supposed to be brief notes but they should include
information on the factors such as the range, interval and number of repeat readings
that you should take, and the variables that need to be controlled.
Drawing Results Table:
You must practise drawing a results table that will be suitable to collect results for the
method. You will do this under exams conditions next lesson.
ISA - Lesson 2
2
• Example of students work (model answers)
Hypothesis:
For a Science A ISA you will be given the hypothesis
For an Additional Science ISA you will need to come
up with a hypothesis
Research sources
List all of the sources you used to carry out your
research, such as books, websites or CD-ROMs.
Which source was the most useful and why?
Method(s)
Briefly outline a possible method that could be used
to collect useful data to investigate the hypothesis.
Think about what you will change, what you will
control and what you will measure.
Equipment
List all the equipment you would need for your
method. Think about how you will set your
investigation up and what you will need to measure.
Select the most suitable equipment to do this.
You
want to draw
a diagram.
Riskmay
assessment
issues
Record any possible hazards in each method, and
the risks they present. Explain how you will reduce
these.
E.g. acid is an irritant and can cause holes in clothes.
To reducethe
thisinvestigation
risk I will weartogoggles,
wipe up spills
Relating
the context
and
wash
my
hands.
Your teacher will describe the context in which the
investigation is set.
You must research this context and write down how
the results of your investigation might be useful, e.g.
health and safety developments, energy efficiency, in
industry, etc.
ISA - Lesson 2/3
• Write a blank table
Producing a blank table:
•You will be required to independently produce a blank table for
your results.
•This is done under exam conditions once the research notes have
been completed and before you sit your Section 1 exam
•The table should be able to accommodate everything that the you
are going to measure and record during the investigation.
•The table should include appropriate headings and units.
Independent
variable
(units)
Marks
Guidance
0
No table or a table with
incomplete headings or units
for the measured variables.
Fewer than half of the
required elements are
present.
1
A table with incomplete
headings or units for the
measured variables.
At least half of the required
elements should be present.
2
Correct headings and units
present for all measured
variables.
Dependent variable (units)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Mean
You may need to include
additional information (e.g.
start temp, end temp and
change in temp).
ISA - Lesson 2/3
3
• Write a blank table – Model Asnweer
All these tables scored full marks
ISA - Lesson 3
3
• ISA section 1 exam – Under exams conditions
Section 1 Exam:
•Up to 45 minutes is allowed for this.
•The test may be taken in the normal
classroom,
•If you normally have a reader, extra time,
scribe etc. for exams then you will have the
same arrangements made for the ISA exam.
•Section 1 of the ISA will contain questions
about the methods that you have researched
and is worth 20 marks of the overall 50
allocated to the Controlled Assessment.
•You may use your Candidate Research notes
sheet, which you filled in during your
research.
Section 1 Exam:
There are normally 5 questions:
1.Name two sources you used and analyse
their usefulness
3 marks
2.Name a control variable and outline a
preliminary investigation to find a suitable
value for this variable
3 marks
3.Describe your plan
9 marks
4.This question could be on a variety of
different topics relating to the idea “what
makes a good investigation” - some
examples are given in this guide
3 marks
5.Submit the blank table you have drawn for
your results
2 marks
ISA - Lesson 3 (Written Paper, Section 1)
• You will be asked similar questions in your real ISA, so take time read the
questions and model answers. Write an answer yourself as practice.
4
• ISA section 1 exam – Question 1
Research sources:
• List all of the sources you used to carry out your research, such as books, websites or CD-ROMs.
• Which source was the most useful and why?
You may be asked a question similar to this in the
section 1 exam:
• Think about the research that you did to find out
how to test this hypothesis.
• Identify two sources that you used for your
research.
• Which of these sources was the more useful?
• Why was this source better than the other source?
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
Two relevant sources are identified
2
Two relevant sources are clearly identified and the
usefulness of one of the sources is commented on
3
Two relevant sources are clearly identified and the
usefulness of both sources is explained and a
comparison made
Additional marking guidance:
• A clearly identified source is referred to by title and author or for • If candidates have taken part in peer discussion as part of their
websites at least the name of the website should be quoted
research, simply stating this is not sufficient to qualify for
• A clear comment on only one of the sources ay be sufficient to quoting a source. Similarly reference to their own notes or
exercise book alone is insufficient.
gain 2 marks if the answer implies a comment on the other
source.
• ISA section 1 exam
An
example
of a good
answer
• ISA section 1 exam – Question 2
Method(s):
• Briefly outline a possible method that could be used to collect useful data to investigate the hypothesis. Think
about what you will change, what you will control and what you will measure.
You may be asked a question similar to this in the
section 1 exam:
• In this investigation, you will need to control some of
the variables.
• Write down one variable that will need to be
controlled.
• Describe briefly how you would do a preliminary
investigation to find a suitable value to use for this
variable.
• You should also explain how the results of this
preliminary investigation will help you to decide on
the best value for this variable.
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
A suitable control variable is stated.
2
A suitable control variable is stated.
Only one value to be investigated in the preliminary
experiment is suggested.
The dependent variable is stated, but details
concerning its measurement are incomplete.
3
A suitable control variable is stated.
The limits of the range to be investigated in the
preliminary experiment are appropriate.
A statement concerning how the dependent variable
values obtained could be used to determine the best
value for the control variable has been made.
• ISA section 1 exam
An
example
of a good
answer
• ISA section 1 exam – Question 3
You may be asked a question similar to this
in the section 1 exam:
•You should include:
•In this question you will be assessed on using
–the equipment that you plan to use
good English, organising information clearly
–how you will use the equipment
and using specialist terms where appropriate.
–the measurements that you are going to
•From the research that you have done,
make
describe in detail how you are going to do your
–how you will make it a fair test
investigation.
–a risk assessment.
9 marks
0 marks
1, 2 & 3 marks
4, 5 & 6 marks
7, 8 & 9 marks
Equipment
Some of the necessary equipment is stated.
Most of the necessary equipment is stated.
Most of the necessary equipment is stated.
Method
The method described is weak but shows
some understanding of the sequence of an
investigation.
The method described will enable valid results to
be collected.
The method described will enable valid results to
be collected.
Measurements
The measurements to be made are stated.
The measurements to be made are stated and a
at least one control variable is given.
The measurements to be made are stated and
the significant control variables are clearly
identified, with details of how they will be
monitored or controlled.
An appropriate hazard is identified, but the
corresponding risk assessment and control
measure is weak or absent.
Any significant hazards are identified, together
with a corresponding control measure but the risk
assessment is weak or absent.
Any significant hazards are identified, together
with an assessment of the associated risks and
corresponding control measures.
Organisation
The answer is poorly organised, with almost
no specialist terms and little or no detail
given.
The answer has some structure and organisation,
use of specialist terms has been attempted but
not always correctly, and some detail is given.
The answer is coherent and written in an
organised, logical sequence, containing a range
of relevant specialist terms used correctly.
SPaG
The answer shows very weak spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
The answer shows reasonable spelling,
punctuation and grammar although there may still
be some errors.
The answer shows almost faultless spelling,
punctuation and grammar.
Risk
assessment
No
creditworthy
response
• ISA section 1 exam
An example of
a good answer
• ISA section 1 exam – Question 4
Method(s):
• Briefly outline a possible method that could be used to collect useful data to investigate the hypothesis. Think
about what you will change, what you will control and what you will measure.
You may be asked a question similar
to this in the section 1 exam:
•When you have completed your
investigation, you will be asked to
compare your results with others.
•Explain the advantages of comparing
your results with the results of others.
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
Allows you to check your results
OR
calculate a more accurate mean
2
Enables you to check your results with those of others to
see if there are any similarities or differences
OR
With more results you are able to calculate a more accurate
mean and minimize the effect of random errors
3
Enables you to check your results with those of others to
see if there are any similarities or differences
OR
With more results you are able to calculate a more accurate
mean and minimize the effect of random errors
OR
Enables reproducibility to be confirmed
4
• ISA section 1 exam
An example of
a good answer
An example of
a poor answer
• ISA section 1 exam – Question 5
Method(s):
•Briefly outline a possible method that could be used to collect useful data to
investigate the hypothesis. Think about what you will change, what you will control
and what you will measure.
You may be asked a question similar to this in the
section 1 exam:
• In your research you will have found other methods
you could have used
• Briefly outline one other method you could have
used.
• Explain why you chose not to do this method
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
An alternative method is outlined briefly although some of
the necessary steps may not be clear
OR
A suggestion is given as to why this alternative method
would not have been as good as the one chosen
2
An alternative method is outlined briefly although some of the
necessary steps may not be clear
OR
A suggestion is given as to why this alternative method would
not have been as good as the one chosen
3
An alternative method is outlined in sufficient detail so that the
necessary steps are clear
OR
A sensible explanation is given as to why this alternative
method would not have been as good as the chosen one
4
• ISA section 1 exam
An example of
a good answer
An example of
a poor answer
• ISA section 1 exam
Risk assessment issues:
• Record any possible hazards in each method, and the risks they present. Explain how you will reduce these.
• E.g. acid is an irritant and can cause holes in clothes. To reduce this risk I will wear goggles, wipe up spills
and wash my hands.
You may be asked a question similar
to this in the section 1 exam:
•Think about the hazards in your
investigation.
•Describe one hazard in your
investigation and say how you would
reduce any risks.
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
An appropriate hazard is identified, but the
corresponding risk assessment and control measure
is weak or absent
2
Any significant hazards are identified, together with
a corresponding control measure but the risk
assessment is weak or absent
3
Any significant hazards are identified, together with
an assessment of the associated risks and
corresponding control measures
• ISA section 1 exam
An example of
a good answer
• ISA section 1 exam – Question 6
Producing a blank table:
•You will be required to independently produce a blank table
for your results.
•This is done under exam conditions once the research
notes have been completed and before you sit your
Section 1 exam
•The table should be able to accommodate everything that
the you are going to measure and record during the
investigation.
•The table should include appropriate headings and units.
Independent
variable
(units)
Mark
s
Guidance
0
No table or a table with
incomplete headings or units
for the measured variables.
Fewer than half of the
required elements are
present.
1
A table with incomplete
headings or units for the
measured variables.
At least half of the required
elements should be present.
2
Correct headings and units
present for all measured
variables.
Dependent variable (units)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Mean
You may need to include
additional information (e.g.
start temp, end temp and
change in temp).
• ISA section 1 exam
All these tables scored full marks
ISA - Lesson 4
4
• Practical
Equipment:
• Solution made from raw bell peppers, Solutions made from bell peppers cooked for
different amounts of time, test tubes , test tube rack, DCPIP solution, teat pipette
and measuring cylinder (10cm3)
Method:
You will be given a method to follow to collect valid results.
Categoric data:
• Categoric values have values that are
labels. E.g. names of plants or types
of material.
• You would normally use a bar chart
to represent this data.
Continuous data:
• Continuous values can have values (called a quantity) that can
be given a magnitude either by counting (as in the case of
number of shrimp) or by the measurement (e.g. light intensity,
flow rate etc.)
• You would normally use a line graph to represent this data.
ISA - Lesson 4
4
• Results Table – write your results into the table you have
been provided with.
Length of time pepper is
boiled for (mins)
Number of drops of pepper solution added for DCPIP to
change colour
Trial 1
0 (uncooked pepper)
5
10
15
20
Trial 2
Trial 3
Mean
ISA - Lesson 4/5
• Draw a graph of your results
Producing a graph or bar chart:
• You will be required to draw a graph or bar chart of
your results
Marks
Answer
Additional guidance
1
X axis: suitable
scales chosen and
labelled with
quantity and units.
Scale should be such that the plots
occupy at least one third of each axis.
Accept axes reversed.
1
Y axis: suitable
scales chosen and
labelled with
quantity and units.
It may not always be necessary to show
the origin.
1
Points or bars
plotted correctly to
within ± 1 mm.
Allow one plotting error out of each 5
points/bars plotted.
Suitable line
drawn on graph or
bars correctly
labelled on bar
chart.
Allow error carried forward from
incorrect points.
If wrong type of graph / chart, maximum
3 marks.
If the independent variable is:
• categoric, a bar chart should be drawn
• continuous, a best fit line should be
drawn
N.B. If no line is possible because there
is no correlation, candidates should
state this on the graph to gain the mark
Dependent variable (units)
Title:
• This should describe what your graph shows
Line of best fit:
• This goes roughly through the middle of all the
scatter points on a graph. The closer the points are
to the line of best fit the stronger we can say the
correlation is.
• It can be a curve.
Anomalous results:
• Put a ring round any outliers to show you know they
do not if the pattern.
Jagged line:
• These indicate a broken scale. A broken scale is
used when values close to 0 are not required.
Independent variable (units)
1
• Complete practical and draw a graph of your results
All these graphs scored full marks
ISA - Lesson 5
5
• ISA section 2 exam
Section 2 Exam:
•Up to 50 minutes is allowed for this.
•The test may be taken in the normal teaching
room, provided that you can be
accommodated in such a way as to prevent
any copying or unauthorised collaboration.
However the test will usually take place in the
hall, dance studio or drama studio depending
on their availability.
•If you normally have a reader, extra time,
scribe etc. for exams then you will have the
same arrangements made for the ISA exam.
•Section 1 of the ISA will contain questions
concerning conclusions and evaluation and is
worth 30 marks of the overall 50 allocated to
the Controlled Assessment.
•You may use your Candidate Research notes
sheet, which you filled in during your
research.
•You will also be given a data sheet with 4
case studies.
Section 2 Exam:
There are normally 4 questions, some of these
questions are made up of more than one part:
1.Analyse and evaluate your results
a) What were the variables in the investigation
you did?
b) - e) These questions are on a variety of
topics
and may vary in number
from ISA to ISA
2.Analyse and evaluate the data given in the case
studies
a) Sketch graph
b) Explain whether or not the results on the
Secondary data sheet support the given
hypothesis
c) Analysis of Case Study 4
This is only a guide there may be more questions
based on the case studies
3.How could the results from your investigation be
useful in the context that you have researched?
3 marks
4.Submit the graph or bar chart you have drawn of
your results
4 marks
ISA - Lesson 5
5
ISA section 2 exam - Question
Repeatable:
•A measurement is repeatable if
the original experimenter repeats
the investigation using the same
method and obtains the same
results.
You may be asked a question
similar to this in the section 2
exam:
•Look at your results.
•Did you repeat any of the results
in your investigation?
•Explain why you did or did not
repeat any of your results.
•You explanation should include
examples from your results.
3 marks
Explain:
•You should make something clear, or state the reasons
for something happening.
•The points in the answer must be linked coherently and
logically.
•The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
There is a correct statement regarding whether or not any
measurements were repeated
There is mention of the presence or absence or anomalous results
2
There is a correct statement regarding whether or not any
measurements were repeated
There is reference to either anomalous results or to systematic or
random uncertainties
3
There is a correct statement regarding whether or not any
measurements were repeated and a clear indication of which
results were repeated
There is reference to either anomalous results or to systematic or
random uncertainties, and the effects that these would cause
ISA - Lesson 5
5
• ISA section 2 exam
An example of
a good answer
• ISA section 2 exam – Question
Hypothesis:
• A proposal intended to
explain certain facts or
observations
You may be asked a
question similar to this in
the section 2 exam:
• The hypothesis that you
were given before you
started the investigation was
…
• Do your results support this
hypothesis?
• Explain your answer.
3 marks
Explain:
• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something
happening.
• The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically.
• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support
the hypothesis with an attempt at an explanation
2
A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support
the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a simple description of a
correctly identified pattern or lack of pattern
3
A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support
the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a detailed description of a
correctly identified pattern or lack of pattern.
• ISA section 2 exam
An example of a
good answer
• ISA section 2 exam – Question
Sketch graph:
• A line graph, not necessarily on a grid, that shows
the general shape of the relationship between two
variables. It will not have any points plotted and
although the axes should be labelled they may not
be scaled.
Explain:
• You should make something clear, or state the
reasons for something happening.
• The points in the answer must be linked coherently
and logically.
• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.
You may be asked a question similar to
this in the section 2 exam:
•You have been given a Secondary Data
Sheet that provides results from similar
investigations.
•Draw a sketch graph of the results in Case
Study 1.
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
Both axes labelled with the variables and units
2
Both axes labelled with the variables and units and
an appropriate line drawn
• ISA section 2 exam
An example of
a good answer
An example of
a good answer
• ISA section 2 exam – Question
Data:
• Information, either qualitative or
quantitative, that has been collected.
You may also be asked a question
similar to this in the section 2 exam
• Explain whether or not the results on
the Secondary Data Sheet support the
hypothesis you were given.
• To gain full marks your explanation
should include appropriate examples
from the results in Case studies 1, 2
and 3.
3 marks
You may also be asked a similar
question on a Additional Science or
Separate Science ISA
Explain
• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for
something happening.
• The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically.
• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the
hypothesis and a simple correct statement is made about one of
the other case studies
2
A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the
hypothesis and correct statements are made about both Case
studies 2 and 3 supported by a more detailed explanation of one
of them.
3
A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the
hypothesis and correct statements are made about both Case
studies 2 and 3 supported by a more detailed explanation of both
of them.
• ISA section 2 exam
An
example
of a good
answer
• ISA section 2 exam – Science A
Hypothesis:
• A proposal intended to
explain certain facts or
observations
You may be asked a
question similar to this
in the section 2 exam:
• Look at Case Study 4.
• To what extent do the
results support the
hypothesis you were
given?
3 marks
The context of the mark
scheme will vary
depending on the ISA.
Explain:
• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something
happening.
• The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically.
• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the
strength then declines as more aggregate is added.
2
Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the
strength then declines as more aggregate is added.
The maximum strength of the beam is quoted.
OR
A comment is made regarding the difference in gradient of the graph before and after the peak.
3
Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the
strength then declines as more aggregate is added.
The maximum strength of the beam is quoted.
AND
A comment is made regarding the difference in gradient of the graph before and after the peak.
• ISA section 2 exam
An example
of a good
answer
• ISA section 2 exam – Question
Context:
• Your teacher will describe the context in which the investigation is set.
Relating the investigation to the context
• Your teacher will describe the context in which the investigation is set.
• You must research this context and write down how the results of your investigation might be useful, e.g. health
and safety developments, energy efficiency, in industry, etc.
You may be asked a question similar to this
in the section 2 exam:
•How could the results from your investigation
be useful in the context that you have
researched?
•You may use information from your Candidate
Research Notes to help you to answer this
question.
3 marks
Marks
Guidance
0
No credit worthy response
1
An idea from the research has been related to the
context
2
An idea from the research has been related to the
context and there is a simple explanation of how the
idea can be applied and used in the given context
3
An idea from the research has been related to the
context and there is a detailed explanation of how
this idea can be applied in the given context
1
• Introduce the context of the investigation
An example of a poor
answer
An example of a good
answer
End for Vit C ISA