The learner will: The learner will:
1 Apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit to carry out an experiment/practical investigation by:
1 Apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit to carry out an experiment/practical investigation by :
1.1 following given procedures
safely
1.2 making and recording
observations/measurements
accurately
1.3 presenting results in an
appropriate format
1.4 drawing valid conclusions
1.5 evaluating experimental
procedures
1.1 planning an experiment/practical investigation
1.2 following procedures
safely
1.3 making and recording
observations/measurements
accurately
1.4 presenting results in an
appropriate format
1.5 drawing valid conclusions
1.6 evaluating experimental
Procedures
The learner will: The learner will:
Draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit and apply scientific skills by:
Draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit and apply scientific skills by:
2.1 making accurate statements
2.2 describing a given application
2.3 describing a given science issue in terms of the effect on the environment/
2.1 making accurate statements
2.2 describing an application
2.3 describing an science issue in terms of the effect on the environment/ society
2.4 solving problems society
2.4 solving problems
Since the Outcomes and Assessment Standards are the same for all Units of the course, the Units differing only by context, evidence for
Assessment Standards 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 for one Unit in this Course can be used as evidence of the achievement of Assessment Standards 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 in the other Units of this Course.

Outcome 1
In Outcome 1, candidates are required to apply skills of scientific inquiry to carry out an experiment / practical investigation that draws on knowledge and understanding of key areas of the Unit. Candidates are provided with a Candidate Guide to assist them to produce the required evidence for assessment in the form of a scientific report.
Assessment
Standards
Evidence required Judging the evidence: Assessment for candidates
1.1 Planning an experiment/practi cal investigation
The plan should include:

an aim

a variable to be kept constant

measurements/observations to be made

resources

method, including health and safety considerations if appropriate
1.2 Following procedures safely
1.3 Making and recording observations/ measurements accurately
1.4 Presenting results in an appropriate format
1.5 Drawing valid conclusions
The candidate should be seen to follow procedures correctly, including health and safety considerations.
Measurements taken should be appropriate.
Measurements should be repeated and averages calculated, where appropriate.
The plan for the experiment/practical investigation must be clear enough for another person to follow and should include:

a clear statement of the aim

measurements/observations to be made and variables considered

the equipment/materials and their use clearly described and appropriate

a clear and detailed scientific description of how the experiment/practical investigation should be carried out; the safety considerations; including appropriate and logical sequence of steps
In the case of assessment by observation, evidence should include assessor comments that show clearly the basis on which assessment judgements have been made.
An observation checklist could be used.
Results should be recorded in an appropriate format.
The candidate should record the information/data in a clear and systematic way, with well organised tables of raw data.
Results have been presented in an appropriate format. Using one format from: a table, line graph, chart, key, diagram, flow chart or summary or other appropriate format.
Units used appropriately.
Candidates should process/analyse the results and present findings in an appropriate format. This may be a table, line graph, chart, key, diagram, flow chart or summary.
Results should be presented so that the assessor can check that results have been correctly processed. Graphs should be plotted on squared graph paper.
Candidates should use appropriate SI units and standard abbreviations.
Conclusion draws from what the experiment/practical investigation shows, with reference to the aim.
Conclusions should relate to results and refer to the aim of the experiment. If results are inconclusive but candidates refer to evidence and the aim of the experiment to say that no conclusion can be drawn then this would be valid and sufficient.

Assessment
Standards
1.6 Evaluating experimental procedures
Evidence required
Evaluation and possible improvement(s) for the experiment/practical investigation.
Judging the evidence: Assessment for candidates
In the evaluation, the candidate reviews findings and presents a logical explanation(s). There should be reference to relevant knowledge and understanding from the key area(s).
Candidates should include in their scientific report a discussion, of at least one of the following:

effectiveness of procedure

control of variable

limitations of equipment

possible sources of uncertainty

possible improvements
Outcome 2
In Outcome 2, candidates will draw on knowledge and understanding of the key areas of this Unit and apply scientific skills.
Judging the evidence – Assessment for candidates (Appendix 1)
Assessment Standards
2.1 Making accurate statements
Evidence Required
Candidates provide responses for the key areas.
See Appendix 2 for marking guidance for a series of questions relating to each key area.
At least half of the responses should be correct across the key areas.
2.2 Describing an application
2.3 Describing a science issue in terms of the effect on the environment/society
2.4 Solving problems
The description should include the science of the issue.
The description should include the effect of the application on the environment/society.
The scientific report should identify the key area from which the application of science is drawn. The scientific report should then go on to outline the impact of this application on the environment/society.
The candidate should show knowledge and understanding of the application and its impact.
The scientific report should be around 40 –70 words or equivalent.
Candidates provide responses for the problem solving types: Making generalisations/predictions; Selecting information; Processing information.
A correct response must be provided for each problem solving type.