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Module 1 - Development of Practical Skills in Physics

This document outlines the practical skills that will be assessed as part of A-level Physics. It discusses four key skills: planning experiments, implementing experimental procedures, analyzing results, and evaluating experiments. Students will apply these skills to core practicals that must be recorded in a dedicated lab book. The skills include selecting equipment, controlling variables, processing data, interpreting graphs, assessing limitations and sources of error, and suggesting experimental improvements.

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29 views

Module 1 - Development of Practical Skills in Physics

This document outlines the practical skills that will be assessed as part of A-level Physics. It discusses four key skills: planning experiments, implementing experimental procedures, analyzing results, and evaluating experiments. Students will apply these skills to core practicals that must be recorded in a dedicated lab book. The skills include selecting equipment, controlling variables, processing data, interpreting graphs, assessing limitations and sources of error, and suggesting experimental improvements.

Uploaded by

gobivaratharajan4
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Module 1: Development of Practical Skills in Physics

Practical skills are no longer assessed in standalone papers, but as part of the written papers. Built into
the year will be a set of core practicals (PAGs) designed to help develop your understanding of practical
physics at A level. These practicals must be recorded in a dedicated lab book and demonstrate
your understanding of the practical skills required. Below outlines what skills will be assessed:

1.1.1 Planning Covered


in class Confident
Students should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
a) experimental design, including to solve problems set in a practical context (including
selection of appropriate equipment)
b) identification of variables that must be controlled, where appropriate
c) evaluation that an experimental method is appropriate to meet the expected outcomes.

1.1.2 Implementing
Students should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
a) how to use a wide range of practical apparatus and techniques correctly
b) appropriate units for measurements
c) presenting observations and data in an appropriate format.

1.1.3 Analysis
Students should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
a) processing, analysing and interpreting qualitative and quantitative experimental results
(including reaching valid conclusions where appropriate)
b) use of appropriate mathematical skills for analysis of quantitative data
c) appropriate use of significant figures
d) plotting and interpreting suitable graphs from experimental results, including:
(i) selection and labelling of axes with appropriate scales, quantities and units
(ii) measurement of gradients and intercepts

1.1.4 Evaluation
Students should be able to demonstrate and apply their knowledge and understanding of:
a) how to evaluate results and draw conclusions (students should be able to evaluate how
the scientific community use results to validate new knowledge and ensure integrity)
b) the identification of anomalies in experimental measurements
c) the limitations in experimental procedures
d) precision and accuracy of measurements and data, including margins of error,
percentage errors and uncertainties in apparatus
e) the refining of experimental design by suggestion of improvements to the procedures
and apparatus.

How Science Works Skills:

HSW1 Use theories, models and ideas to develop scientific explanations


HSW2 Use knowledge and understanding to pose scientific questions, define scientific problems, present scientific
arguments and scientific ideas
HSW3 Use appropriate methodology, including information and communication technology (ICT), to answer
scientific questions and solve scientific problems
HSW4 Carry out experimental and investigative activities, including appropriate risk management, in a range of
contexts
HSW5 Analyse and interpret data to provide evidence, recognising correlations and causal relationships
HSW6 Evaluate methodology, evidence and data, and resolve conflicting evidence
HSW7 Know that scientific knowledge and understanding develops over time
HSW8 Communicate information and ideas in appropriate ways using appropriate terminology
HSW9 Consider applications and implications of science and evaluate their associated benefits and risks
HSW10 Consider ethical issues in the treatment of humans, other organisms and the environment
HSW11 Evaluate the role of the scientific community in validating new knowledge and ensuring integrity
HSW12 Evaluate the ways in which society uses science to inform decision making.

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