Practical assessment skills

Identify independent, dependent and controlled variables; describe how variables are varied, measured and kept constant; and present a workable labelled apparatus arrangement and procedure.

Use planning variables, method and apparatus to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because planning variables, method and apparatus determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply planning variables, method and apparatus to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Planning variables, method and apparatus is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Add relevant practical detail, assess risks and precautions, and describe use of oscilloscopes, light gates, data loggers and sensors to measure quantities such as voltage, current, time, frequency, velocity and acceleration.

Use additional detail, safety and instrumentation to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because additional detail, safety and instrumentation determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply additional detail, safety and instrumentation to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Additional detail, safety and instrumentation is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Rearrange expressions into y = mx + c, y = ax^n and y = ae^(kx), use linear, logarithmic and exponential plots to find constants, and decide which derived quantities should be calculated for graphing.

Use data analysis models and graph transformations to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because data analysis models and graph transformations determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply data analysis models and graph transformations to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Data analysis models and graph transformations is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Complete tables using Paper 3 conventions, calculate and record derived quantities, plot graphs with error bars, draw best-fit and worst acceptable lines, and calculate uncertainties in derived quantities, gradients and intercepts.

Use tables, graphs and uncertainty treatment to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because tables, graphs and uncertainty treatment determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply tables, graphs and uncertainty treatment to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Tables, graphs and uncertainty treatment is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Determine gradients and y-intercepts, derive expressions that link them to physical constants, state conclusions with units and appropriate significant figures, and express final values with uncertainty estimates.

Use conclusions from constants, gradients and intercepts to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because conclusions from constants, gradients and intercepts determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply conclusions from constants, gradients and intercepts to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: Conclusions from constants, gradients and intercepts is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.