Core_Science_ISA_-_student_

Controlled Assessment Unit Investigative Skills Assessment - ISA • An ISA is the Controlled Assessment Unit for Science. • It is worth 25% of your GCSE. • There is no tier of assessment so grades range from U - A*. • You need to complete one ISA per GCSE but there are three available ISA’s for each GCSE.

• Each ISA is made up of 4 parts – – – –

Research Section 1 exam Practical Section 2 exam

• ISA’s are done in lesson time and take approximately 5 lessons. • Your best ISA grade will be the mark sent to the exam board.

Controlled Assessment Unit - CAU Investigative Skills Assessment - ISA 1 2

3 4 5

• Introduce the context of the investigation and begin planning (you can continue this for homework) • Complete the planning sheet • ISA section 1 exam and write a blank table under test conditions.

• Complete practical and draw a graph of your results under test conditions. • ISA section 2 exam You must ensure that you in class for these lessons.

ISA - Lesson 1 CONTEXT AND PLANNING

1

You will be given a context like the one below in the first lesson. Context: • Vitamin C is a nutrient needed to build proteins, which help wounds heal. As a government advisor for the Department of Health, you have been asked to provide advice hospitals in the UK on the best way to provide the most of vitamin C in the food given to patients. • Some dietary advisors suggest that raw vegetable provide more vitamin C than cooked ones, whereas others suggest that cooking vegetables for longer reduces the amount of Vitamin C in them.

Hypothesis: •

The amount of vitamin C in vegetables depends on how long it has been cooked for.

ISA - Lesson 1 1

CONTEXT AND PLANNING

It is important that you understand the context as this will help you in your planning and later on in answering questions in Section 2 of written paper. Context: • Vitamin C is a nutrient needed to build proteins, which help wounds heal. As a government advisor for the Department of Health, you have been asked to provide advice hospitals in the UK on the best way to provide the most of vitamin C in the food given to patients. • Some dietary advisors suggest that raw vegetable provide more vitamin C than cooked ones, whereas others suggest that cooking vegetables for longer reduces the amount of Vitamin C in them. You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam: •How could the results from your investigation be useful in the context that you have researched? •You may use information from your Candidate Research Notes to help you to answer this question. 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

An idea from the research has been related to the context

2

An idea from the research has been related to the context and there is a simple explanation of how the idea can be applied and used in the given context

3

An idea from the research has been related to the context and there is a detailed explanation of how this idea can be applied in the given context

ISA - Lesson 1 • Research and Planning

1

Research: •Once you have been given the context of the investigation you will need to research: –one or two possible methods of carrying out the investigation –the context that has been set –any health and safety issues with the method(s) •These research notes must be written on the Candidate Research notes sheet provided by AQA. •Your research and planning must be finished not later than next lesson, including homework. •Your teacher will check your notes before you take the Section 1 exam to ensure you have not included an prohibited information. Remember these are only supposed to be brief notes but they should include information on the factors such as the range, interval and number of repeat readings that you should take, and the variables that need to be controlled.

ISA - Lesson 2 • Complete Planning

2

Planning: •Complete your planning on the Candidate Research notes sheet, you must include: –a possible method of carrying out the investigation –the context that has been set –any health and safety issues with the method(s) •Your teacher will check your notes before you take the Section 1 exam to ensure you have not included an prohibited information. Remember these are only supposed to be brief notes but they should include information on the factors such as the range, interval and number of repeat readings that you should take, and the variables that need to be controlled. Drawing Results Table: You must practise drawing a results table that will be suitable to collect results for the method. You will do this under exams conditions next lesson.

ISA - Lesson 2 2

• Example of students work (model answers) Hypothesis: For a Science A ISA you will be given the hypothesis For an Additional Science ISA you will need to come up with a hypothesis Research sources List all of the sources you used to carry out your research, such as books, websites or CD-ROMs. Which source was the most useful and why? Method(s) Briefly outline a possible method that could be used to collect useful data to investigate the hypothesis. Think about what you will change, what you will control and what you will measure. Equipment List all the equipment you would need for your method. Think about how you will set your investigation up and what you will need to measure. Select the most suitable equipment to do this. You want to draw a diagram. Riskmay assessment issues Record any possible hazards in each method, and the risks they present. Explain how you will reduce these. E.g. acid is an irritant and can cause holes in clothes. To reducethe thisinvestigation risk I will weartogoggles, wipe up spills Relating the context and wash my hands. Your teacher will describe the context in which the investigation is set. You must research this context and write down how the results of your investigation might be useful, e.g. health and safety developments, energy efficiency, in industry, etc.

ISA - Lesson 2/3 • Write a blank table Producing a blank table: •You will be required to independently produce a blank table for your results. •This is done under exam conditions once the research notes have been completed and before you sit your Section 1 exam •The table should be able to accommodate everything that the you are going to measure and record during the investigation. •The table should include appropriate headings and units. Independent variable (units)

Marks

Guidance

0

No table or a table with incomplete headings or units for the measured variables. Fewer than half of the required elements are present.

1

A table with incomplete headings or units for the measured variables. At least half of the required elements should be present.

2

Correct headings and units present for all measured variables.

Dependent variable (units) Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Mean

You may need to include additional information (e.g. start temp, end temp and change in temp).

ISA - Lesson 2/3

3

• Write a blank table – Model Asnweer

All these tables scored full marks

ISA - Lesson 3 3

• ISA section 1 exam – Under exams conditions

Section 1 Exam: •Up to 45 minutes is allowed for this. •The test may be taken in the normal classroom, •If you normally have a reader, extra time, scribe etc. for exams then you will have the same arrangements made for the ISA exam. •Section 1 of the ISA will contain questions about the methods that you have researched and is worth 20 marks of the overall 50 allocated to the Controlled Assessment. •You may use your Candidate Research notes sheet, which you filled in during your research.

Section 1 Exam: There are normally 5 questions: 1.Name two sources you used and analyse their usefulness 3 marks 2.Name a control variable and outline a preliminary investigation to find a suitable value for this variable 3 marks 3.Describe your plan 9 marks 4.This question could be on a variety of different topics relating to the idea “what makes a good investigation” - some examples are given in this guide 3 marks 5.Submit the blank table you have drawn for your results 2 marks

ISA - Lesson 3 (Written Paper, Section 1) • You will be asked similar questions in your real ISA, so take time read the questions and model answers. Write an answer yourself as practice. 4

• ISA section 1 exam – Question 1

Research sources: • List all of the sources you used to carry out your research, such as books, websites or CD-ROMs. • Which source was the most useful and why? You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 1 exam: • Think about the research that you did to find out how to test this hypothesis. • Identify two sources that you used for your research. • Which of these sources was the more useful? • Why was this source better than the other source? 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

Two relevant sources are identified

2

Two relevant sources are clearly identified and the usefulness of one of the sources is commented on

3

Two relevant sources are clearly identified and the usefulness of both sources is explained and a comparison made

Additional marking guidance: • A clearly identified source is referred to by title and author or for • If candidates have taken part in peer discussion as part of their websites at least the name of the website should be quoted research, simply stating this is not sufficient to qualify for • A clear comment on only one of the sources ay be sufficient to quoting a source. Similarly reference to their own notes or exercise book alone is insufficient. gain 2 marks if the answer implies a comment on the other source.

• ISA section 1 exam

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 1 exam – Question 2 Method(s): • Briefly outline a possible method that could be used to collect useful data to investigate the hypothesis. Think about what you will change, what you will control and what you will measure. You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 1 exam: • In this investigation, you will need to control some of the variables. • Write down one variable that will need to be controlled. • Describe briefly how you would do a preliminary investigation to find a suitable value to use for this variable. • You should also explain how the results of this preliminary investigation will help you to decide on the best value for this variable. 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

A suitable control variable is stated.

2

A suitable control variable is stated. Only one value to be investigated in the preliminary experiment is suggested. The dependent variable is stated, but details concerning its measurement are incomplete.

3

A suitable control variable is stated. The limits of the range to be investigated in the preliminary experiment are appropriate. A statement concerning how the dependent variable values obtained could be used to determine the best value for the control variable has been made.

• ISA section 1 exam

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 1 exam – Question 3 You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 1 exam: •You should include: •In this question you will be assessed on using –the equipment that you plan to use good English, organising information clearly –how you will use the equipment and using specialist terms where appropriate. –the measurements that you are going to •From the research that you have done, make describe in detail how you are going to do your –how you will make it a fair test investigation. –a risk assessment. 9 marks 0 marks

1, 2 & 3 marks

4, 5 & 6 marks

7, 8 & 9 marks

Equipment

Some of the necessary equipment is stated.

Most of the necessary equipment is stated.

Most of the necessary equipment is stated.

Method

The method described is weak but shows some understanding of the sequence of an investigation.

The method described will enable valid results to be collected.

The method described will enable valid results to be collected.

Measurements

The measurements to be made are stated.

The measurements to be made are stated and a at least one control variable is given.

The measurements to be made are stated and the significant control variables are clearly identified, with details of how they will be monitored or controlled.

An appropriate hazard is identified, but the corresponding risk assessment and control measure is weak or absent.

Any significant hazards are identified, together with a corresponding control measure but the risk assessment is weak or absent.

Any significant hazards are identified, together with an assessment of the associated risks and corresponding control measures.

Organisation

The answer is poorly organised, with almost no specialist terms and little or no detail given.

The answer has some structure and organisation, use of specialist terms has been attempted but not always correctly, and some detail is given.

The answer is coherent and written in an organised, logical sequence, containing a range of relevant specialist terms used correctly.

SPaG

The answer shows very weak spelling, punctuation and grammar.

The answer shows reasonable spelling, punctuation and grammar although there may still be some errors.

The answer shows almost faultless spelling, punctuation and grammar.

Risk assessment

No creditworthy response

• ISA section 1 exam

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 1 exam – Question 4 Method(s): • Briefly outline a possible method that could be used to collect useful data to investigate the hypothesis. Think about what you will change, what you will control and what you will measure.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 1 exam: •When you have completed your investigation, you will be asked to compare your results with others. •Explain the advantages of comparing your results with the results of others. 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

Allows you to check your results OR calculate a more accurate mean

2

Enables you to check your results with those of others to see if there are any similarities or differences OR With more results you are able to calculate a more accurate mean and minimize the effect of random errors

3

Enables you to check your results with those of others to see if there are any similarities or differences OR With more results you are able to calculate a more accurate mean and minimize the effect of random errors OR Enables reproducibility to be confirmed

4

• ISA section 1 exam

An example of a good answer

An example of a poor answer

• ISA section 1 exam – Question 5 Method(s): •Briefly outline a possible method that could be used to collect useful data to investigate the hypothesis. Think about what you will change, what you will control and what you will measure.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 1 exam: • In your research you will have found other methods you could have used • Briefly outline one other method you could have used. • Explain why you chose not to do this method 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

An alternative method is outlined briefly although some of the necessary steps may not be clear OR A suggestion is given as to why this alternative method would not have been as good as the one chosen

2

An alternative method is outlined briefly although some of the necessary steps may not be clear OR A suggestion is given as to why this alternative method would not have been as good as the one chosen

3

An alternative method is outlined in sufficient detail so that the necessary steps are clear OR A sensible explanation is given as to why this alternative method would not have been as good as the chosen one

4

• ISA section 1 exam

An example of a good answer

An example of a poor answer

• ISA section 1 exam Risk assessment issues: • Record any possible hazards in each method, and the risks they present. Explain how you will reduce these. • E.g. acid is an irritant and can cause holes in clothes. To reduce this risk I will wear goggles, wipe up spills and wash my hands.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 1 exam: •Think about the hazards in your investigation. •Describe one hazard in your investigation and say how you would reduce any risks. 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

An appropriate hazard is identified, but the corresponding risk assessment and control measure is weak or absent

2

Any significant hazards are identified, together with a corresponding control measure but the risk assessment is weak or absent

3

Any significant hazards are identified, together with an assessment of the associated risks and corresponding control measures

• ISA section 1 exam

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 1 exam – Question 6 Producing a blank table: •You will be required to independently produce a blank table for your results. •This is done under exam conditions once the research notes have been completed and before you sit your Section 1 exam •The table should be able to accommodate everything that the you are going to measure and record during the investigation. •The table should include appropriate headings and units. Independent variable (units)

Mark s

Guidance

0

No table or a table with incomplete headings or units for the measured variables. Fewer than half of the required elements are present.

1

A table with incomplete headings or units for the measured variables. At least half of the required elements should be present.

2

Correct headings and units present for all measured variables.

Dependent variable (units) Trial 1

Trial 2

Trial 3

Mean You may need to include additional information (e.g. start temp, end temp and change in temp).

• ISA section 1 exam

All these tables scored full marks

ISA - Lesson 4 4

• Practical

Equipment: • Solution made from raw bell peppers, Solutions made from bell peppers cooked for different amounts of time, test tubes , test tube rack, DCPIP solution, teat pipette and measuring cylinder (10cm3) Method: You will be given a method to follow to collect valid results.

Categoric data: • Categoric values have values that are labels. E.g. names of plants or types of material. • You would normally use a bar chart to represent this data.

Continuous data: • Continuous values can have values (called a quantity) that can be given a magnitude either by counting (as in the case of number of shrimp) or by the measurement (e.g. light intensity, flow rate etc.) • You would normally use a line graph to represent this data.

ISA - Lesson 4 4

• Results Table – write your results into the table you have been provided with.

Length of time pepper is boiled for (mins)

Number of drops of pepper solution added for DCPIP to change colour Trial 1

0 (uncooked pepper) 5 10 15 20

Trial 2

Trial 3

Mean

ISA - Lesson 4/5 • Draw a graph of your results

Producing a graph or bar chart: • You will be required to draw a graph or bar chart of your results

Marks

Answer

Additional guidance

1

X axis: suitable scales chosen and labelled with quantity and units.

Scale should be such that the plots occupy at least one third of each axis. Accept axes reversed.

1

Y axis: suitable scales chosen and labelled with quantity and units.

It may not always be necessary to show the origin.

1

Points or bars plotted correctly to within ± 1 mm.

Allow one plotting error out of each 5 points/bars plotted.

Suitable line drawn on graph or bars correctly labelled on bar chart.

Allow error carried forward from incorrect points. If wrong type of graph / chart, maximum 3 marks. If the independent variable is: • categoric, a bar chart should be drawn • continuous, a best fit line should be drawn N.B. If no line is possible because there is no correlation, candidates should state this on the graph to gain the mark

Dependent variable (units)

Title: • This should describe what your graph shows Line of best fit: • This goes roughly through the middle of all the scatter points on a graph. The closer the points are to the line of best fit the stronger we can say the correlation is. • It can be a curve. Anomalous results: • Put a ring round any outliers to show you know they do not if the pattern. Jagged line: • These indicate a broken scale. A broken scale is used when values close to 0 are not required. Independent variable (units)

1

• Complete practical and draw a graph of your results

All these graphs scored full marks

ISA - Lesson 5 5

• ISA section 2 exam

Section 2 Exam: •Up to 50 minutes is allowed for this. •The test may be taken in the normal teaching room, provided that you can be accommodated in such a way as to prevent any copying or unauthorised collaboration. However the test will usually take place in the hall, dance studio or drama studio depending on their availability. •If you normally have a reader, extra time, scribe etc. for exams then you will have the same arrangements made for the ISA exam. •Section 1 of the ISA will contain questions concerning conclusions and evaluation and is worth 30 marks of the overall 50 allocated to the Controlled Assessment. •You may use your Candidate Research notes sheet, which you filled in during your research. •You will also be given a data sheet with 4 case studies.

Section 2 Exam: There are normally 4 questions, some of these questions are made up of more than one part: 1.Analyse and evaluate your results a) What were the variables in the investigation you did? b) - e) These questions are on a variety of topics and may vary in number from ISA to ISA 2.Analyse and evaluate the data given in the case studies a) Sketch graph b) Explain whether or not the results on the Secondary data sheet support the given hypothesis c) Analysis of Case Study 4 This is only a guide there may be more questions based on the case studies 3.How could the results from your investigation be useful in the context that you have researched? 3 marks 4.Submit the graph or bar chart you have drawn of your results 4 marks

ISA - Lesson 5 5

ISA section 2 exam - Question

Repeatable: •A measurement is repeatable if the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and obtains the same results. You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam: •Look at your results. •Did you repeat any of the results in your investigation? •Explain why you did or did not repeat any of your results. •You explanation should include examples from your results. 3 marks

Explain: •You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening. •The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically. •The answer should not be a simple list of reasons. Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

There is a correct statement regarding whether or not any measurements were repeated There is mention of the presence or absence or anomalous results

2

There is a correct statement regarding whether or not any measurements were repeated There is reference to either anomalous results or to systematic or random uncertainties

3

There is a correct statement regarding whether or not any measurements were repeated and a clear indication of which results were repeated There is reference to either anomalous results or to systematic or random uncertainties, and the effects that these would cause

ISA - Lesson 5

5

• ISA section 2 exam

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 2 exam – Question Hypothesis: • A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam: • The hypothesis that you were given before you started the investigation was … • Do your results support this hypothesis? • Explain your answer. 3 marks

Explain: • You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening. • The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically. • The answer should not be a simple list of reasons. Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis with an attempt at an explanation

2

A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a simple description of a correctly identified pattern or lack of pattern

3

A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a detailed description of a correctly identified pattern or lack of pattern.

• ISA section 2 exam

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 2 exam – Question Sketch graph: • A line graph, not necessarily on a grid, that shows the general shape of the relationship between two variables. It will not have any points plotted and although the axes should be labelled they may not be scaled.

Explain: • You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening. • The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically. • The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam: •You have been given a Secondary Data Sheet that provides results from similar investigations. •Draw a sketch graph of the results in Case Study 1. 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

Both axes labelled with the variables and units

2

Both axes labelled with the variables and units and an appropriate line drawn

• ISA section 2 exam

An example of a good answer

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 2 exam – Question Data: • Information, either qualitative or quantitative, that has been collected. You may also be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam • Explain whether or not the results on the Secondary Data Sheet support the hypothesis you were given. • To gain full marks your explanation should include appropriate examples from the results in Case studies 1, 2 and 3. 3 marks You may also be asked a similar question on a Additional Science or Separate Science ISA

Explain • You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening. • The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically. • The answer should not be a simple list of reasons. Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the hypothesis and a simple correct statement is made about one of the other case studies

2

A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the hypothesis and correct statements are made about both Case studies 2 and 3 supported by a more detailed explanation of one of them.

3

A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the hypothesis and correct statements are made about both Case studies 2 and 3 supported by a more detailed explanation of both of them.

• ISA section 2 exam

An example of a good answer

• ISA section 2 exam – Science A Hypothesis: • A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam: • Look at Case Study 4. • To what extent do the results support the hypothesis you were given? 3 marks The context of the mark scheme will vary depending on the ISA.

Explain: • You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening. • The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically. • The answer should not be a simple list of reasons. Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the strength then declines as more aggregate is added.

2

Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the strength then declines as more aggregate is added. The maximum strength of the beam is quoted. OR A comment is made regarding the difference in gradient of the graph before and after the peak.

3

Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the strength then declines as more aggregate is added. The maximum strength of the beam is quoted. AND A comment is made regarding the difference in gradient of the graph before and after the peak.

• ISA section 2 exam An example of a good answer

• ISA section 2 exam – Question Context: • Your teacher will describe the context in which the investigation is set. Relating the investigation to the context • Your teacher will describe the context in which the investigation is set. • You must research this context and write down how the results of your investigation might be useful, e.g. health and safety developments, energy efficiency, in industry, etc.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam: •How could the results from your investigation be useful in the context that you have researched? •You may use information from your Candidate Research Notes to help you to answer this question. 3 marks

Marks

Guidance

0

No credit worthy response

1

An idea from the research has been related to the context

2

An idea from the research has been related to the context and there is a simple explanation of how the idea can be applied and used in the given context

3

An idea from the research has been related to the context and there is a detailed explanation of how this idea can be applied in the given context

1

• Introduce the context of the investigation

An example of a poor answer

An example of a good answer

End for Vit C ISA