Sample work Science Stage 5: Student research project
Work samples aligned to grades assist teachers to develop their understanding of the achievement standards at each grade level.
Description of activity
Students select and research a topic. They develop a hypothesis and plan a controlled investigation to test it. An information sheet is provided for students to use. Students carry out the planned investigation, record their observations and write a report.
Information sheet
- Obtain a suitable notebook to use as a logbook for your project. Record all background information, preliminary planning, results and rough draft of the report of your investigation in your logbook.
- Select a problem to investigate. Carry out some background research and record relevant information and sources in your logbook. Develop a question which you can answer by testing or research. Consider the resources needed and time you have to complete your project. Your problem must not involve animals, explosions or damage to the environment or people.
- Design your investigation. Work out the independent, dependent and controlled variables. Restate your question as a hypothesis. Set up an experimental control (if possible). Write a draft procedure in your logbook. Carry out a risk assessment. Carry out a preliminary trial.
- Carry out your investigation and record your observations. Take care to ensure all measurements are as accurate as your equipment allows. Record your measurements in table form. Make sure you record your successes and failures and show how you solve any problems. Repeat your investigation as many times as resources and time permits.
- Write your final report. Analyse your results to see if they support your hypothesis. Make a conclusion. Evaluate the plan of your investigation and procedure.
Context
Students have performed a variety of practical experiences: identified problems, described strategies to solve problems, developed hypotheses and collected data. They have written reports as experimental records that include an aim, method, results and conclusion.
Outcomes
A student:
- 5.13 identifies a problem and independently produces an appropriate investigation plan
- 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 critical 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:
- state the hypothesis to be tested
- describe a planned safe procedure to be followed when performing an investigation to test the hypothesis
- record observations and make accurate measurements over a number of trials
- present first-hand data and information in an appropriate way
- write a report including the hypothesis, procedure, findings and conclusion of the investigation
- evaluate the plan, results and conclusion of the investigation.
Graded student work samples
Work sample feedback
Jerry
Jerry has produced a report that demonstrates an extensive knowledge and understanding of experimental design. A very high level of competence in planning and conducting a first-hand investigation is evident. The method uses creative problem skills to measure the dependent variable.
The report is well structured and the data has been presented in a clear results table. The graph includes a line of best fit that demonstrates a clear understanding of the relationship between the data. The discussion contains an extensive evaluation of the results and the data analysis leads to valid conclusions. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade A standard.
Drew
Drew has produced a report that demonstrates an extensive knowledge and understanding of the elements of experimental design. There is evidence of creative problem-solving and a high level of competence in gathering and processing data to draw valid conclusions. There is a link between the aim and hypothesis, and an extensive equipment list has been provided. The method is detailed and shows a clear understanding of independent and controlled variables.
The report could have been improved by averaging the data in a results table and then graphing it. The discussion contained some appropriate reasoning for the choice of the most suitable material and this was clearly linked back to the aim. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade A standard.
Kendall
Kendall has demonstrated a high level of competence in planning and conducting a first-hand investigation. A valid investigation that is appropriate for the stated hypothesis has been described. An effective strategy to collect relevant quantitative data over a number of trials has been developed.
Kendall has communicated the results in a thorough manner, and the discussion shows an understanding of the processes used to validate tests. While conclusions have been made, they are not based on all the recorded results, and the results have not been further adapted or linked to background research. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade B standard.
Jules
Jules has demonstrated an adequate level of competence in planning and performing a first-hand investigation. A simple experimental plan that includes identification of some variables has been developed. The data collected is extensive, but it has not been collated effectively, and too many graphs have been included.
While various problems have been identified in the discussion, only a few modifications have been made in subsequent trials. Little attempt to explain the results or relate the findings to scientific models of law has been made. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard.
Ali
Ali has produced a report that demonstrates a basic knowledge and understanding of the elements of experimental design. A limited level of competence in planning and performing a first-hand investigation is evident. The hypothesis combines testable statements and other statements which reflect confusion about the nature/role of a hypothesis. Not all of the statements in the hypothesis have been addressed later in the report. A simple investigation plan that tests two independent variables which cause problems in testing and reaching a valid conclusion has been developed.
While Ali has recognised the importance of wire diameter, and generated data relevant to analysing its effect on resistance, no attempt to discuss it has been made. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard.
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- Sample work Stage 5: Student research project report
- Sample work Stage 5: Student research project report