Home > Subjects > Science > Level 3 > 3.1 Science investigation > Achievement criteria
- Subject: Science
- AS: AS90727
- Level: 3
- Credits: 4
- Internal
Science 3.1 Carry out a practical scientific investigation with guidance
Achievement criteria
Achievement
- Carry out a practical science investigation with guidance.
This means that your practical science investigation will include:
- a statement of the purpose – this may include an aim, testable question, prediction, or hypothesis based on a scientific idea
- trialling as appropriate to determine the method
- a method that describes:
- for a fair test: the independent variable and a range, the accurate measurement of the dependent variable and the control of some other variables
- for pattern seeking: the range for the key variables and the collection of data and the control of some other variables where necessary
- collecting sufficient data consistent with the final method
- recording data systematically
- processing of data, using graphs and/or other techniques
- interpretation of data including some identification of trends, relationships, and patterns, where appropriate
- clear reporting on the findings with a valid conclusion related to the purpose of the investigation
- identification of at least one of the science ideas relevant to the investigation.
Achievement with Merit
- Carry out a quality practical science investigation with guidance.
To achieve a merit, a quality practical investigation will include the requirements for an achievement, as well as, the following:
- The method must describe:
- for a fair test: the independent variable and a valid range, the accurate measurement of the dependent variable and the control of most other variables
- for pattern seeking: the valid range for the key variables and the collection of reliable data and the control of most other variables where necessary
- valid and reliable data are essential to ensure 'good' results.
- You must demonstrate the collecting of sufficient, and reliable, data consistent with the final method, with identification and appropriate treatment of extremes of data as necessary.
- You must record data systematically with appropriate precision.
- You must provide an explanation of science ideas relevant to the investigation.
Achievement with Excellence
- Carry out and evaluate a quality practical science investigation with guidance.
- To achieve an excellence you must, in addition to carrying out a quality practical investigation, discuss a selection of factors relevant to the investigation. Factors may include:
- reliability of the data
- justification of the final method used
- discussion of sources of error
- implications and possible future investigation.
