Home > Subjects > Biology > Level 3 > 3.1 Practical investigation > Achievement criteria
- Subject: Biology
- AS: AS 91601
- Level: 3
- Credits: 4
- Internal
Biology 3.1 Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance
Achievement criteria
A practical investigation is an activity covering the complete investigation process: planning and carrying out the investigation, collecting primary data, processing and interpreting data, and reporting on the investigation. It is expected that changes will be made to the planned method as you work through the investigation.
The nature of the investigation could be the manipulation of variables (fair test); the investigation of a pattern or relationship; or the use of models.
The investigative process is student driven, however you will receive ‘guidance’ from your teacher. ‘Guidance’ refers to the teacher supporting the student throughout the investigation. The teacher negotiates the parameters for the investigation with the student. This may be related to suitability of organisms, equipment and resources available, and possible modifications or new directions related to the student investigative ideas.
Achievement
Carry out a practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance.
This involves:
- developing a statement of the purpose, linked to a scientific concept or idea, and written as a hypothesis
- using a method that describes:
- for a fair test: the independent variable and its range, the measurement of the dependent variable and the control of some other key variables
- for a pattern seeking or modelling activity: the data that will be collected, range of data/samples, and consideration of some other key factors
- collecting, recording, and processing data relevant to the purpose of the investigation
- interpreting the processed data and reporting on the findings of the investigation.
- identifying relevant findings from another source
- stating a conclusion based on interpretation of the processed data which is relevant to the purpose of the investigation.
Achievement with Merit
Carry out an in-depth investigation in a biological context, with guidance.
This involves:
- using a valid method that describes:
- for a fair test: a valid range for the independent variable, the valid measurement of the dependent variable and the control of other key variables, with consideration of factors such as sampling bias and sources of errors
- for pattern seeking or modelling activity: a valid collection of data with consideration of factors such as sampling bias and sources of errors
- collecting, recording, and processing reliable data to enable a trend or pattern (or absence) to be determined
- starting a valid conclusion based on the processed data in relation to the purpose
- explaining the biological ideas relating to the investigation. The explanation is based on both the findings from the investigation and those from other source(s).
Achievement with Excellence
Carry out a comprehensive practical investigation in a biological context, with guidance.
- justifying the choices made throughout the investigation by evaluating the validity of the method or the reliability of the data
- stating a conclusion that discusses the biological relevant to the investigation and either the findings of others, scientific principles, theories, or models.
