Syllabus Outcomes & Objectives
P11 - A student identifies and implements improvements to investigation plans.
| Students: |
P11.1 Identify data sources to:
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- analyse complex problems to determine appropriate ways in which each aspect may be researched
- determine the type of data that needs to be collected and explain the qualitative or quantitative analysis that will be required for this data to be useful
- identify the orders of magnitude that will be appropriate and the uncertainty that may be present in the measurement of data
- identify and use correct units for data that will be collected
- recommend the use of an appropriate technology or strategy for data collection or information gathering that will assist efficient future analysis
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| P11.2 Plan first-hand investigations to: |
- demonstrate the use of the terms ‘dependent’ and ‘independent’ to describe variables involved in the investigation
- identify variables that need to be kept constant, develop strategies to ensure that these variables are kept constant, and demonstrate the use of a control
- design investigations that allow valid and reliable data and information to be collected
- describe and trial procedures to undertake investigations and explain why a procedure, a sequence of procedures or the repetition of procedures is appropriate
- predict possible issues that may arise during the course of an investigation and identify strategies to address these issues if necessary
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P11.3 Choose equipment or resources by:
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- identifying and/or setting up the most appropriate equipment or combination of equipment needed to undertake the investigation
- carrying out a risk assessment of intended experimental procedures and identifying and addressing potential hazards
- identifying technology that could be used during investigations and determining its suitability and effectiveness for its potential role in the procedure or investigation
- recognising the difference between destructive and non-destructive testing of material and analysing potentially different results from these two procedures
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P12 - A student discusses the validity and reliability of data gathered from first-hand investigations and secondary sources.
| Students: |
P12.1 Perform first-hand investigations by:
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- carrying out the planned procedure, recognising where and when modifications are needed and analysing the effect of these adjustments.
- efficiently undertaking the planned procedure to minimise hazards and wastage of resources.
- disposing carefully and safely of any waste materials produced during the investigation.
- identifying and using safe work practices during investigations.
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| P12.2 Gather first-hand information by: |
- using appropriate data collection techniques, employing appropriate technologies, including data loggers and sensors.
- measuring, observing and recording results in accessible and recognisable forms, carrying out repeat trials as appropriate.
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| P12.3 Gather information from secondary sources by: |
- accessing information from a range of resources, including popular scientific journals, digital technologies and the Internet.
- practising efficient data collection techniques to identify useful information in secondary sources.
- extracting information from numerical data in graphs and tables as well as from written and spoken material in all its forms.
- summarising and collating information from a range of resources.
- identifying practising male and female Australian scientists, the areas in which they are currently working and information about their research.
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P12.4 Process information to:
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- assess the accuracy of any measurements and calculations and the relative importance of the data and information gathered.
- identify and apply appropriate mathematical formulae and concepts.
- best illustrate trends and patterns by selecting and using appropriate methods, including computer assisted analysis.
- evaluate the validity of first-hand and secondary information and data in relation to the area of investigation.
- assess the reliability of first-hand and secondary information and data by considering information from various sources.
- assess the accuracy of scientific information presented in mass media by comparison with similar information presented in scientific journals.
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P13 - A student identifies appropriate terminology and reporting styles to communicate information and understanding in physics.
| Students: |
P13.1 Present information by: |
- selecting and using appropriate text types or combinations thereof, for oral and written presentations.
- selecting and using appropriate media to present data and information.
- selecting and using appropriate methods to acknowledge sources of information.
- using symbols and formulae to express relationships and using appropriate units for physical quantities.
- using a variety of pictorial representations to show relationships and present information clearly and succinctly.
- selecting and drawing appropriate graphs to convey information and relationships clearly and accurately.
- identifying situations where use of a curve of best fit is appropriate to present graphical information.
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P14 - A student draws valid conclusions from gathered data and information.
| Students: |
P14.1 Analyse information to: |
- identify trends, patterns and relationships as well as contradictions in data and information
- justify inferences and conclusions
- identify and explain how data supports or refutes an hypothesis, a prediction or a proposed solution to a problem
- predict outcomes and generate plausible explanations related to the observations
- make and justify generalisations
- use models, including mathematical ones, to explain phenomena and/or make predictions
- use cause and effect relationships to explain phenomena
- identify examples of the interconnectedness of ideas or scientific principles
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| P14.2 Solve problems by: |
- identifying and explaining the nature of a problem
- describing and selecting from different strategies, those which could be used to solve a problem
- using identified strategies to develop a range of possible solutions to a particular problem
- evaluating the appropriateness of different strategies for solving an identified problem
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P14.3 use available evidence to: |
- design and produce creative solutions to problems
- propose ideas that demonstrate coherence and logical progression and include correct use of scientific principles and ideas
- apply critical thinking in the consideration of predictions, hypotheses and the results of investigations
- formulate cause and effect relationships
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