Sample work Science Stage 5: Performing a first-hand investigation

Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.

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Description of activity

Students are provided with a procedure to perform an investigation to test the strength of sticky tape. Students make and record their observations and measurements. In the scientific report they will present their findings and use the information to make predictions.

Performing the investigation

Students will:

  1. collect the following equipment: 30 cm ruler, rubber band, various different adhesive tapes, scissors, biro(pen)
  2. tear off a piece of tape exactly 5 cm long
  3. loop the rubber band around the tape and stick the tape to the bench
  4. insert the biro through the rubber band and pull vertically upwards
  5. record the height of the biro at the instant the tape pulls away from the bench
  6. repeat steps b to e with different tapes.

Presenting and processing the information

Students will use an appropriate type of text to present a scientific report of their investigation.

Thinking critically

Students:

  • use the findings of their investigation to suggest one possible application of their results.
  • predict what would happen if –
    • different sized rubber bands had been used
    • different lengths of tape had been used
    • different surfaces were used.

During this activity the teacher will observe each student performing the investigation and will assess the accuracy of his/her procedure.

Context

Students have undertaken a large number of practical experiences in Years 7, 8 and 9. They have used an appropriate format that includes an aim, method, results and conclusion to write reports for investigations. Students have a double period to complete the investigation and write the report.

Outcomes

A student:

  • 5.14 undertakes first-hand investigation independently with safety and competence
  • 5.15 gathers first-hand data accurately
  • 5.17 explains trends patterns and relationships in data and/or information from a variety of sources
  • 5.18 selects and uses appropriate forms of communication to present information to an audience
  • 5.19 uses critically thinking skills in evaluating information and drawing conclusions.

Criteria for assessing learning

(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

  • follow a planned procedure when performing an investigation
  • record observations and measure accurately over a number of trials
  • use a scientific report to present the findings of an investigation
  • think critically in making generalisations in relation to the results of their investigation.

Graded student work samples

Grade A
Grade B
Grade C
Grade D

Work sample feedback

Grade A

Ashley

Ashley has demonstrated a very high level of competence in performing a first-hand investigation. Data has been successfully gathered from two trials, however further trials would be desirable in order to increase reliability. The data is used to explain trends between stickiness and types of tape, and the information has been processed to draw valid conclusions.

The findings have been communicated using an appropriate format including diagrams, tables and graphs. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade A standard.

Grade B

Ariel

Ariel has demonstrated a high level of competence in performing an investigation. Observations have been accurately recorded in an appropriate results table and a graph has been constructed to present the findings.

Although it is not evident that numerous trials have taken place, the identification of variables and the discussion of ways to improve the experiment indicate a high level of competence in the processes and skills involved. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.

Grade C

Jessie

Jessie has demonstrated adequate skills in following a planned procedure to conduct a first-hand investigation. There is evidence of planning and performing a first-hand investigation, recording results and providing a simple conclusion but little evidence of controlled variables.

Data has been tabulated with an appropriate diagram, but an aim consistent with the method has not been provided and the results have not been communicated with an appropriate graph. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.

Huong

Huong has demonstrated an adequate level of competence in following a planned procedure to conduct a first-hand investigation. The results have been tabulated but the trials were not repeated to improve accuracy. The written report has been correctly formatted but the conclusion does not specify the findings or relate them to other situations. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.

Grade D

Terry

Terry has demonstrated a basic understanding of experimental design and the procedure for performing a first-hand investigation. An hypothesis has been attempted but details about the tapes used in the experiment have not been specified. Data has been appropriately tabulated and there is some mention of controlling the surface.

No repetition of the experiment has been carried out, although this was raised as a way of improving reliability. There is limited prediction but a valid conclusion has been made based on the results. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.

Kerry

Kerry has experienced some difficulty in transferring information from a given procedure to communicate a suitable aim and method for a scientific investigation. The results have not been tabulated and there is no evidence of repeated trials, but a basic scientific report presenting the findings and a valid conclusion has been produced.

Limited generalisations have been made based on the findings of this investigation. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.

Jordan

Jordan has demonstrated a limited level of competence in performing and analysing a first-hand investigation. The general structure of a first-hand investigation is present, but there is a lack of specific detail about the material to be used. No mention is made of controlling variables, such as pressure and surface, and repeated trials have not been used.

The results have been tabulated, a prediction has been made and a valid conclusion has been drawn from the data, but no generalisations have been made in the follow up to the investigation. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.

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