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- %OP%IRY
- %CO:A,12,72%Attainment target 1: Exploration of science
-
- Pupils should develop the intellectual and practical skills that allow
- them to explore the world of science and to develop a fuller
- understanding of scientific phenomena and the procedures of scientific
- exploration and investigation. This work should take place in the
- context of activities which require a progressively more systematic and
- quantified approach, which draws upon an increasing knowledge and
- understanding of science. The activities should encourage the ability
- to:
-
- i. plan hypothesise and predict.
- ii. design and carry out investigations.
- iii. interpret results and findings.
- iv. draw inferences.
- v. communicate exploratory tasks and experiments.
-
- Level 1. * observe familiar materials and events in their immediate
- envirinment, at first hand, using their senses.
-
- * describe and communicate their observations, ideally through
- talking in groups or by other means.
-
- Level 2. * ask questions and suggest ideas of the "how", "why", and
- "what will happen if" variety.
-
- * identify simple differences, for example, hot/cold, rough/
- smooth.
-
- * use non standard and stanard measures, for example,
- hand-spans and rulers.
-
- * list and collate observations.
-
- * interpret findings by associating one factor with another,
- for example,the pupils perception at this level that light
- objects float, thin wood is bendy.
-
- * record findings in charts, drawings and other appropriate
- forms.
-
- Level 3 * formulate hypothese, for example, "this ball will bounce
- higher than that one".
-
- * identify, and describe simple variables that change over
- time, for example, growth of a plant.
-
- * distinguish between a fair and an unfair test.
-
- * select and use simple instruments to enchance observations,
- for example, a stop-clock or hand lens.
-
- * quantify variables, as appropriate to the nearest labelled
- division of simple measuring instruments, for example a
- rule.
-
- * record experimental findings, for example, in table and bar
- charts.
-
- * interpret simple pictograms and bar charts.
-
- * interpret observations in terms of a generalised statement
- for example, the greater the suspended weight, the longer
- the spring.
-
- * describe activities carried out by sequencing the major
- features.
-
-
-
-
- Level 4 * raise questions in a form which can be investigated.
-
- * formulate testable hypothese.
-
- * construct fair tests.
-
- * plan an investigation where the plan indicates that the
- relevant variables have been identified and others
- controlled.
-
- * select and use a range of measuring instruments, as
- appropriate, to quantify observations of physical
- quantities, such as volume and temperature.
-
- * follow written instructions and diagrammatic
- representations.
-
- * carry out an investigation with due regard to safety.
-
- * record results by appropriate means, such as the
- construction of simple tables, bar charts, line graphs.
-
- * draw conclusions from experimental results.
-
- * describe investigations in the form of ordered prose, using
- a limited technical vocabulary.
-
- Level 5 * use concepts, knowledge and skills to suggest simple
- questions and design investigations to answer them.
-
- * identify and manipulate relevent independent and dependent
- variables, choosing appropriately between ranges, numbers
- and values.
-
- * select and use measuring insruments to quantify variables
- and use more complex measuring instruments with the required
- degree of accuracy, for example, minor divisions on
- thermometers and forcemeters.
-
- * make written statements of the patterns derived from the
- data obtained from various sources.
-
- Level 6 * contribute to the analysis and investigation of a
- collaborative exercise in which outcomes are derived from
- the results of a number of different lines of enquiry,
- possibly including experimentation, survey and use of
- secondary sources, in the context of which each pupil
- should.
-
- x use experience and knowledge to make predictions in new
- contexts.
-
- x identify and manipulate two discrete independent variables
- and control other variables.
-
- x prepare a detailed written plan, where the key variables are
- named and details of the experimental procedure are given.
-
- x record data in tables and translate it into appropriate
- graphical forms.
-
- x produce reports which include a critical evaluation of
- certain features of the experiment, such as reliability,
- validity of measurements and experimental design.
-
- Level 7 * plan, design and safely carry out an entire
- investigations drawing on their scientific understanding
- at this level, to test a hypothesis in which they:
-
- x identify and manipulate two continuous independent variables
- and control other variables.
-
- x make decisions about the range and number of independent
- variables and select appropriate instruments to measure the
- dependent variable.
-
- x select appropriate methods of recording data.
-
- x produce a systematically structured and as appropriate,
- illustrated report of an entire investigation and the data
- and new ideas generated.
-
- x accurately use and interpret scientific nomenclature,
- symbols and conventions in communicating findings.
-
- Level 8 * be able to perform an experiment to elucidate a theory,
- concept or model, and use the results to demonstrate a clear
- understanding of the ideas that led to that theory, concept
- or model.
-
- * make generalisations from several data sets including
- self-generated data.
-
- * prepare and deliver a report matched to audience which
- incorporates back ground material from a variety of sources.
-
- Level 9 * in the context of an extended investigation:
-
- x initiate a piece of self- generated background research
- employing a variety of sources of information.
-
- x plan a range of exploratory techniques, for example,
- experiments, literature searches, data logging and analysis.
-
- x interpret data in the light of experimental findings and
- appropriate scientific knowledge and understanding.
-
- x draw conclusions and make inferences using, as appropriate,
- data tables and statistical data.
-
- x make a presentation of their research and investigation.
-
- Level 10 * in the context of the investigation defined in level 9, be
- able to:
-
-
- x evaluate critically the entire project in terms of sources
- of unreliability and invalidity.
-
- x suggest alternative and considered improvements to
- experimental technique.
-
- x formulate further testable hypotheses supported by the
- knowledge and understanding generated.
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