NAME: Lockerbie Academy 16 H7XG 77 Investigating Physics (Advanced Higher) [Type the document subtitle] Jennie Hargreaves

Assessment activity 1

This assessment applies to the following Unit:	Investigating Physics (Advanced Higher)

Outcome 1

Apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding to research, plan and carry out investigative practical work on a chosen physics topic by:

1.1	Gathering and recording information from sources

1.2	Planning/designing an experiment (or experiments) appropriate to the aim of the investigation

1.3	Carrying out the investigation safely, collecting and recording data with precision and accuracy

To pass this assessment you will have to show that you have met this Outcome and Assessment Standards.

Your teacher will let you know how this assessment will be carried out and any required conditions for doing it.

What you have to do

You are required to apply skills of scientific inquiry to research, plan and carry out investigative practical work on a chosen physics topic.

Your assessor will provide you with the resources you need.

Guide to selecting, planning and carrying out your investigation

Having selected a suitable topic, in discussion with your assessor, you should research a physics topic by looking up textbooks, journals, periodicals (eg Scientific American, New Scientist) and using the internet. You should also familiarise yourself with any background theory related to your chosen topic. In summary, you should:

select a topic with guidance/discussion with your assessor

make a clear statement describing the research topic

carry out research on your chosen topic

record at least three of the sources that you have used in your research

make notes from these sources

You must use at least three sources of information, such as different websites, textbooks, journals, etc, and you must record these sources of information in enough detail to allow someone else to find these sources easily. You may use a referencing system.

It is good practice to maintain a record of your work on your investigation. This may take the form of a laboratory notebook, a daybook, or other suitable method.

You will demonstrate that you can plan/design and carry out experiments safely. You will also collect and record experimental data accurately. Associated uncertainties must also be recorded. In summary, you should:

plan the experimental procedures/design suitable experiments, appropriate to the aim(s)

use the procedures and suitable equipment to carry out the experiments effectively and safely

collect and record experimental data from the experiments with appropriate precision and accuracy (repeat measurements where appropriate)

record readings and observations accurately in tables with correct headings including units

record any associated uncertainties

make notes on planning/designing, details of the experiments, apparatus used, etc

Developing a plan for your investigation

A record should be maintained in a regular manner.

The aims of the investigation are clearly stated.

Experimental procedures and apparatus are appropriate for the investigation.

Collect and analyse information obtained from your investigation

The collection of the experimental data/information is carried out with due accuracy.

Relevant measurements and observations are recorded in an appropriate format.

Recorded experimental data/information is analysed and presented in an appropriate format.

Maintaining a record of your investigation in Physics

Before you start your investigation and during the time you spend on your investigation you should maintain a record of your work in a suitable work book or equivalent. It is important that you get your assessor to check your record of work regularly and to take his/her advice.

Every day that you are in the lab working on your investigation you should note the date, what you did, any observations — expected and unexpected, any advice given and any websites, book references you used.

Some advice on practical work

Practical work almost always takes longer than you anticipate. You should plan each day's work in advance and ensure that all the equipment you need is available for you.

Before each lab session

You should have a clear plan written in your record of work of exactly what you hope to achieve during the lab period.

During each lab session

The record of your work should be brought to every lab session. You should enter the date in your record of work, followed by all measurements and observations you make, presented in an appropriate format. Your record of work should contain a complete record of the work undertaken during each session in the lab. If you are uncertain about any procedure, ask a member of staff before continuing. It may be appropriate to briefly acknowledge help given by your supervisor (or other persons) in your record of work at the relevant place.

After each lab session

In your record of work you should analyse the results obtained during the lab session noting down any conclusions or findings.

Also note down what you will do in your next practical session. This may be repeating what you have already done or making modifications as a result of what you have found out.

Timescale

Right at the start of your investigation, it is advisable to set up a timescale with start dates and deadlines for each phase of your investigation, eg:

Phase	Start date	Tasks	Deadline dates
Planning/ designing	Read the guide to selecting, planning/designing and carrying out your investigation.
Decide on the aim for your investigation.
Show assessor your daybook with aims and detailed plan/design of the experiments you intend to carry out.
Prepare a risk assessment, if appropriate, for these experiments and show your supervisor the completed risk assessment form.
Practical	Check and organise that the apparatus will be available for you whenever you need them.
Complete the experimental work in the time allocated. Allow time to carry out repeat experiments, if required.

Remember what you write in your record of work may be the basis of your project–report. It is important that you write your results etc into your record of work in such a manner that you will find it easy to follow and understand when you produce your report.

Topic choice	Student	Date	Teacher
Select a Physics topic to investigate.
Select any suitable topic for research and investigation provided that the physics is at an appropriate level of demand.
Research may be via textbooks, journals and periodicals, resource packs, internet, visits to appropriate facilities or any other suitable approach,.
Record made of the sources used
Topic covers Physics that is covered in the Advanced Higher Course OR
Topic covers Physics outwith this Course content but of an appropriate standard.
The investigation selected is of an appropriate standard.
Discussion with the assessor to ensure that time is not wasted
The assessor encouraged creativity and originality in the choice of topic for investigation by the candidate.
Developing techniques or designing apparatus and devising experimental procedures are suitable as part of an investigation
Investigation topics can be completed within the timescale
In the light of initial experimental results obtained, original investigation plan modified if required.
As part of the investigation, it is the responsibility of the candidate, under supervision to provide adequate risk assessments undertaken prior to the experiments
Regulations related to safety should be strictly adhered to.

Progress and support

The candidate should keep a record of their work, which should include:

Student	Date	Teacher
experimental aims and overall aim(s) of the investigation, clearly stated
a record of discussion with assessors and other scientists, as appropriate
notes/comments on any article, books, websites, etc, that are used
notes/comments on planning/design
notes/comments on selection of method used
notes on risk assessment
readings or observations (raw data) recorded in an appropriate format such as clear tables with correct headings, appropriate SI units and results/readings entered correctly
calibration, reading and random errors
notes/comments on any modifications to original plan

The record of candidate work can form the basis of the project.

Outcome	Assessment Standard	Description of evidence and date	Evidence reference	Assessor’s comments	Result	Assessor and date
1 Apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding to research, plan and carry out investigative practical work on a chosen physics topic by:	1.1 Gathering and recording information from sources
1.2 Planning/ designing an experiment (or experiments) appropriate to the aim of the investigation
1.3 Carrying out the investigation safely, collecting and recording data with precision and accuracy

Additional Notes

Additional Notes

Marking Instructions for the Project Report Write up

Assessment category and criteria	Marks
Abstract a brief abstract (summary) stating the overall aim(s) and finding(s)/conclusion(s) of the investigation	1 (1)
Introduction relevant to the investigation demonstrating an understanding of the physics theory underpinning the investigation of an appropriate level (ie commensurate with the demands of Advanced Higher Physics)	4 (4)
Procedures labelled diagrams and/or descriptions of apparatus, as appropriate clear descriptions of how the apparatus was used to obtain experimental readings procedures are at an appropriate level for Advanced Higher complexity, ie appropriate level of demand; factors to be considered include: range of procedures control of variables accuracy originality of approach and/or experimental techniques; degree of sophistication of experimental design and/or equipment	2 2 3 (7)
Results (including uncertainties) data sufficient and relevant to the aim(s) of the investigation appropriate analysis of data, eg quality graphs, lines of best fit, calculations uncertainties in individual and final results	1 4 3 (8)
Discussion (conclusion(s) and evaluation) conclusion(s) is/are valid and relate to the aim(s) of the investigation evaluation of experimental procedures to include, as appropriate, comment on: accuracy of experimental measurements adequacy of repeated readings adequacy of range over which variables are altered adequacy of control of variables limitations of equipment reliability of methods sources of errors and uncertainties coherent discussion of overall conclusion(s) and critical evaluation of the investigation as a whole to include, as appropriate, comment on: problems overcome modifications to procedures significance/interpretation of findings suggestions for further improvements to procedures suggestions for further work overall quality of the investigation	1 3 3 1 (8)
Presentation appropriate structure, including informative title, contents page and page numbers references cited in the text and references listed in standard form, acknowledgements, where appropriate	1 1 (2)
Total marks	30

Outcome	Assessment Standards	Making assessment judgements	Commentary on assessment judgements
1 Apply skills of scientific inquiry and draw on knowledge and understanding to research, plan and carry out investigative practical work on a chosen physics topic by:	1.1 Gathering and recording information from sources	The candidate must include: a clear statement describing the research topic reference to at least three relevant sources of information/data (enough detail should be given to allow a third party to retrieve the sources)	Evidence must demonstrate that the candidate has a clear understanding of the physics related to the topic. The candidate should use terms and ideas that are correct and at a depth appropriate to Advanced Higher Physics. For example, simple harmonic motion and damping, resonance, surface tension, aberration in lenses, thermal conductivity, permittivity, Hall effect, torque wrench, etc. A formal referencing system may be used but candidates will not be penalised if this is not complete and sources can be retrieved by a third party using information supplied.
1.2 Planning/ designing an experiment (or experiments) appropriate to the aim of the investigation	The candidate’s plan/design must include: a clear aim for the practical research investigation a clear and detailed description of how the practical investigation should be carried out, including risk assessments observations/measurements to be made	The plan/design for the practical research investigation must be clear enough for another person to follow and at an appropriate level. The plan/design may include labelled diagrams. Candidates must keep a record of their progress.
1.3 Carrying out the investigation safely, collecting and recording data with precision and accuracy	In carrying out the investigation the candidate must: be observed to follow procedures safely ensure that observations/measurements are recorded correctly and results presented in an appropriate format. Where appropriate these should be repeated and averaged Raw experimental data must be recorded and associated uncertainties must be recorded in an appropriate format. Meters and measuring devices should be selected to generate experimental data that is within a suitable range and of a suitable accuracy. Where appropriate, readings should be repeated and checked for spurious results.	An observation checklist for the experimental stage, supported by assessor comment as appropriate, could be used as evidence. Candidates should present findings in an appropriate format ie table, line graph etc. Labelling and units must be correct. For example, tables should include headings and units as appropriate.