Sample work Science Stage 5: Planning an individual controlled investigation
Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.
Description of activity
Students use their previous experience in planning investigations to design a valid test for a question relating to the effect on the growth of strawberry plants when the soil is at two different temperatures (eg 10°C and 20°C). This is an individual activity in which students are challenged to extend their problem-solving and working-scientifically skills through planning a valid first-hand investigation to test the question they identify, and to collect and record reliable data.
Worksheet 1
A student wants to test the idea that soils at two different temperatures (eg 10°C and 20°C) affects the growth of strawberry plants.
Present a plan for an investigation to test this idea and include the hypothesis or question that you are testing.
Context
Throughout Stage 4 students have developed and extended their understanding of the nature and practice of science through designing and performing safe first-hand experiences to test the questions being investigated.
In Stage 4 they have planned and performed a group student research project. In the Year 8 unit Plants, students gained an understanding of the requirements of plants for growth.
This activity could be used to identify students' prior understanding of designing controlled experiments in preparation for the Stage 5 Individual Student Research Project. Students individually plan a controlled investigation to test the idea that different temperature conditions affect the growth of strawberry plants. They will identify the question (hypothesis) to be tested, describe in the procedure to be used to test the question how variables will be controlled and reliable data will be collected and recorded. They will also select appropriate equipment including safety equipment.
Outcomes
A student:
- 5.13 identifies a problem and independently produces an appropriate investigation plan
- 5.21 uses creativity and imagination in the analysis of problems and the development of possible solutions
- 5.22 plans, implements and evaluates the effectiveness of a variety of tasks independently and as a team member.
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- define the question to be tested
- select appropriate equipment/resources, including safety equipment
- describe a valid procedure for a controlled experiment to test the identified idea
- describe a method for collecting and recording reliable data.
Graded student work samples
Work sample feedback
Lindsay
Lindsay has demonstrated a thorough understanding of experimental design and has independently selected strategies to design, conduct and analyse a first-hand investigation. There is evidence of problem-solving, data processing and the ability to generate valid conclusions.
A number of strategies for conducting investigations such as replication and changing just one variable are employed. The method of communication, including appropriate graph type, was suitable. The student did not consider safety equipment in the description or outline how the data was to be recorded. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.
Riley
Riley has demonstrated a sound understanding of experimental design and adequate skills in planning and conducting a first-hand investigation. The response shows evidence of experimental record and sound understanding of controlling variables. A hypothesis, rather than an aim, has been stated, and relevant, but not valid, conclusions have been drawn. The validity is questionable because there is no identification of a strategy for changing the variables.
No diagram or clear set of steps has been provided, but safety aspects and tabulated results have been mentioned. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.
Jamie
Jamie has demonstrated a sound understanding of experimental design and adequate skills in planning and conducting a first-hand investigation. An equipment list has been provided and the method has been adequately communicated using diagrams and a logically-sequenced procedure. An aim has been stated but there is no hypothesis and safety issues have not been incorporated.
Jamie has demonstrated a sound understanding of identifying and controlling variables but repetition has not been used to ensure accurate data and the results have not been clearly identified. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.
Courtney
Courtney has demonstrated a sound understanding of experimental design and adequate skills in planning and conducting a first-hand investigation. An equipment list has been provided and the procedure has been adequately communicated. A relevant hypothesis has been included but safety issues have not been addressed.
Courtney has demonstrated a sound understanding of identifying and controlling variables but repetition has not been used to ensure accurate data. The impact on germination, rather than growth, has been investigated. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.
Taylor
Taylor has demonstrated a basic understanding of experimental design, and limited skills in planning and conducting a first-hand investigation. The procedure lacks detail, with no indication of how the observations are to be recorded. Appropriate equipment has been selected, but there is no mention of safety equipment or measures required for conducting a first-hand investigation.
Data collection is qualitative and subjective, and the sample size is too small for reliability. Variables have not been identified or controlled. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.
Indra
Indra has demonstrated a basic understanding of experimental design, and limited skills in planning and conducting a first-hand investigation. An equipment list has been provided but the procedure lacks detail. There has been no attempt to make the investigation reliable by using replication, and variables have not been considered.
An attempt has been made to communicate using an experimental record format but no valid conclusions have been reached and safety issues have not been addressed. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.
Related resources
- Sample work Stage 5: Tiny house
- Sample work Stage 5: Water rockets
- Sample work Stage 5: Australian fossil site brochure
- Sample work Stage 5: Earthquake database
- Sample work Stage 5: Performing a first-hand investigation
- Sample work Stage 5: Solving problems using practical chemistry
- Sample work Stage 5: Student research project
- Sample work Stage 5: Student research project report