Science Skills Assessment Portfolio
Task 1 – Researching and preparing to conduct an experimental investigation
(Maximum 800 words for task 1) – AC1.1, 1.2 and 1.3
Task 1: Part A – Aim and Introduction:
- Describe the purpose of the aim of an experiment performed in the laboratory.
- Provide at least one example of an aim and introduction to a scientific investigation.
- Research and describe the main scientific background related to the aim of the investigation.
- Highlight the specific areas of evidence of good practice and explain how some areas of the information could be improved further.
- What do you initially understand the aim and the introduction of a laboratory report should include? Describe below your initial thoughts about what should be included.
- After class work and individual research, what do you now understand the purpose of an aim and introduction to a laboratory report to be? Detail fully what should be included.
Task 1: Part B – Materials procedures and variables
- Research and choose a procedure for an A-level standard experimental investigation (this must be agreed with your tutor).
- Identify the equipment and materials required to perform the investigation.
- Discuss the suitability of the equipment, materials and procedure for the investigation in terms of providing reliable and valid results.
- Identify the variables in the investigation and explain the consequences of changes to the variables in terms of valid results.
- What do you initially understand the materials, procedures and variables of a laboratory report investigation should include? Describe below your initial thoughts about what should be included.
- After class work and individual research what do you now understand the materials, procedures and variables of a laboratory report investigation should include?
Task 1: Part C – Safety:
- Identify general good practice as expected in a scientific laboratory.
- Describe and explain the importance of a risk assessment as used in a scientific investigation.
- Provide an example of a suitable risk assessment for an A level standard investigation clearly demonstrating detailed knowledge and understanding of the risks, hazards, precautions and how to safely deal with potential accidents.
- What do you initially understand should be included in a scientific laboratory report safety assessment? Describe below your initial thoughts about what should be included.
- After class work and individual research produce a safety poster to demonstrate what you now understand should be included in a scientific laboratory report safety assessment?
Task 2 Life Scientists – Task 2 – Analyse results against a null hypothesis using statistical tests (500 words) – AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3
You are required to develop a logical and coherent guidance document to demonstrate to students how to write the analytical sections of a scientific laboratory report. It should include:
Task 2 Part A – Results tables and graphs:
- Research the different types of results tables used in science to record observations.
- Provide examples of the different types of results tables and explain how to choose the most appropriate table to record investigation observations.
- Provide an example of a poor and an accurate results table for a scientific investigation.
- Compare and contrast the two tables, outlining errors, good practice and the requirements for reliable and accurate recordings.
- Describe how to identify anomalies and how to respond to them.
- Research the different types of graphs used in science to record observations.
- Provide examples of the different types of graphs and explain how to choose the most appropriate graph to display investigation results.
- Write the rules to be followed when drawing investigation graphs/charts.
- Identify and describe trends in the results, using data from your example graphs.
Task 2 Part B – Statistical analysis:
- Research using statistical tests in scientific investigations
- Describe how to choose an appropriate statistical test used in scientific investigations.
- Provide examples of using the Chi squared test to support or reject investigation results.
- Provide examples of using Students t- test to support or reject investigation results.
- Task 3 – Critically evaluate scientific methodologies (Task 3 maximum 700 words) – AC3.1, 3.2
Please choose from either OPTION 1 OR OPTION 2 below to complete this task. You should only choose ONE option.
| OPTION 1:
The rate at which a chemical reaction proceeds depends on several different factors including: o Temperature o Concentration of reactants o Surface area of reactants
|
OPTION 2:
The Gas Laws. Investigate the relationships between: o Pressure o Temperature o Volume
|
If you research the topic, you will find that there are several different practical’s that can be carried out to investigate each of these factors.
Task 3 Part A
Choose an appropriate practical from either a textbook or from an internet search which investigates ONE of these factors listed above.
Task 3 Part B
You are then to write a report which critiques your chosen experiment, highlighting both positive and negative aspects from your chosen procedure: You should comment upon;
- Choice of apparatus
- Procedure outlined
- Safety considerations
Task 3 Part C
You should also offer suitable recommendations for improvements that could be made to improve the experiment. This could be using different apparatus / techniques which will improve the quality and accuracy of the experiment and results obtained. Suggestions for improvement should include comments regarding the:
- Apparatus used
- Procedure
- Safety considerations
Task 3 Part D
- You also need to include examples of further work / experiments that could be carried out to investigate this topic further. (This is as well as how to improve this experiment which you have already discussed. Just saying repeat the experiment is not appropriate!)
Task 3 Part E
- All your work should be correctly referenced throughout, using Harvard Referencing and a full reference section should be included at the end of this document.
