WS 3.5 – interpret observations and other data (presented in verbal, diagrammatic, graphical,
symbolic or numerical form), including identifying patterns and trends, making inferences and
drawing conclusions.
WS 3.6 – present reasoned explanations including relating data to hypotheses.
WS 3.7 – be objective, evaluate data in terms of accuracy, precision, repeatability and
reproducibility and identify potential sources of random and systematic error.
WS 3.8 – communicate the scientific rationale for investigations, methods used, findings and
reasoned conclusions through written and electronic reports and presentations using verbal,
diagrammatic, graphical, numerical and symbolic forms.
WS 4.2 – recognise the importance of scientific quantities and understand how they are
determined.
WS 4.3 – use SI units (eg kg, g, mg; km, m, mm; kJ, J) and IUPAC chemical nomenclature unless
inappropriate.
WS 4.6 – use an appropriate number of significant figures in calculation.
MS 2a – use an appropriate number of significant figures.
MS 2b – find arithmetic means.
MS 3b – change the subject of an equation.
MS 3c – substitute numerical values into algebraic equations using appropriate units for physical
quantities.
8.2.2 Required practical activity 2 (physics only)
Investigate the effectiveness of different materials as thermal insulators and the factors that may
affect the thermal insulation properties of a material.
Apparatus and techniques
In doing this practical students should cover these parts of the apparatus and techniques
requirements.
AT 1 – use appropriate apparatus to make and record a range of measurements accurately,
including length, area, mass, time, volume and temperature.
AT 5 – use, in a safe manner, appropriate apparatus to measure energy changes/transfers.
Key opportunities for skills development
In doing this practical there are key opportunities for students to develop the following skills.
WS 1.2 – use a variety of models such as representational, spatial, descriptive, computational and
mathematical to solve problems, make predictions and to develop scientific explanations and
understanding of familiar and unfamiliar facts.
WS 2.1 – use scientific theories and explanations to develop hypotheses.
WS 2.2 – plan experiments or devise procedures to make observations, produce or characterise a
substance, test hypotheses, check data or explore phenomena.
WS 2.3 – apply a knowledge of a range of techniques, instruments, apparatus, and materials to
select those appropriate to the experiment.
WS 2.4 – carry out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of
apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations.
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