OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART COLLEGE KENSINGTON

YEAR 8 2010 SCIENCE ASSESSMENT TASK NOTICE.

TASK
NUMBER: 1 of 4

TYPE: Research/Planning and Performing a First-hand Investigation

DATE: Part 1: Research to be handed in on 31st of March

Part 2: Science journal with analysis to be handed in on the 7th May
( week 3 term 2)

TASK When planning and designing a fair experiment you must test only one
CONTEXT: variable at a time. This is called the ‘independent variable’. All other
conditions that may affect the results must be ‘controlled’ i.e be identical.
This ensures the test is valid.
Scientists often work in teams to solve problems. Each person has a
role but also has a collective responsibility to the group to help solve the
problem.
Plant growth can be affected by many variables. Your task is to investigate
the effect of fertilizers on the growth of plants.

TASK In teams of four, you are to plan and perform a first-hand investigation into how
DESCRIPTION: fertilisers affect the growth of plants. Your group will be required to grow the
plants in a garden at OLSH. Each individual in the group will have a role to
perform.

This task will involve 2 parts :

Part 1:
• RESEARCHING INFORMATION about photosynthesis, conditions needed
for it to occur, plant structure involved in plant growth, the role of plant
nutrients in growth. This is an individual report which must include a
bibliography. This part will be due in 31st March ( week 10 term1 )

Part 2:
This must be completed in a science journal (A small exercise
book)
1. Research and plan the experiment. This must be discussed
and planned as a group during class time. However, you will be
expected to include this in your own science journal. which will
be. Planning can be done under the following sub-sections:
• Aim
• Hypothesis
• Apparatus
• Risk Assessment
• Method

2. Present a timeline of activities that your group/class carried out

during the task.
 3. Planting a garden at OLSH. (Some class time will be given).
Particular seedlings will be supplied. It is the class/your groups
responsibility to plant and care for them. Your group must also
measure the plant’s growth.

4. Write a report which includes the following sub-sections:

• Results & observations- you must record your group’s results
and compare them with the other group’s in your class.

• Discussion – this will include a collation of class results during

week 1 of term 2. You must complete a spreadsheet of results
and graphs. Trends and patterns in the data must be
described. Identification of independent/
depenedent/controlled variables and improvements must
also be included.

• Conclusion

5. Describe/assess the role of each individual in your team.

MARKING • Correct identification of independent, dependent and controlled variables.

CRITERIA: • Valid method to test hypothesis stated.
In your answer • Regular journal entries.
you will be • Time line of events during the task.
assessed on • Comments on the effectiveness of working as a team (advantages and
disadvantages)
• Identification of safety hazards and how to minimise them
• The correct text type.
• Presentation & discussion of results
OUTCOMES 4.12 clarifies the purpose of an investigation and produces a plan to investigate a problem.
4.14 undertakes a first-hand investigation
ASSESSED: 4.15 gathers first-hand data
4.16 accesses information from identified secondary sources
4.17 evaluates the relevance of data and information.
4.18 presents information to an audience
4.19 draws conclusions based on information available.
 PLANNING A FIRST-HAND INVESTIGATION SCAFFOLD

PLANNING STEP Notes Technical

Language
Timing is very Seedlings will be used. Be patient
important in this Sowing instructions:-plant 25mm deep with
task. You must 7-10 cm between the plants.
begin immediately Plants prefer moist well drained soil, in a
sheltered position with lots of light.

This is
Research information Record the titles, authors and other information the……………..
about the conditions about the resources used to make a bibliography. Variable
that affect plant (See page 13 of the Planner)
growth.

How often will you

water the plants?

Which ONE factor are

you going to test or
compare?
What will you
measure for results This is the
in this experiment? DEPENDENT
variable
How often will you
take measurements?

What will be the best

way to record the
results?

Will you take

photographs ?
What factors must be You will need to RESEARCH the conditions that These factors
kept the SAME to plants need to grow are called the
make the experiment ………………
FAIR? variables

What do you predict This statement

will happen? is called the
Write an appropriate
statement ………………...
 PERFORMING A FIRST-HAND INVESTIGATION SCAFFOLD

STEP NOTES Technical Language

Equipment Use the correct units
What specialised for volume, length.
equipment will you
use? Can you provide
reasons for choosing it
(justify)

What safety issues are Risk Assessment

there?

How will you set up Method

this experiment? Use short, simple,
Remember to include numbered
all measurements & statements.
how you measured
them in your report Begin each
statement with a
……..

Research the term

VALIDITY

How many seedlings Reliability

will the group plant?

Why must you plant

more than one?
Where will you place
the plants?

Will the location affect

the results?
Need more help? Show your teacher your plan as you are
going. Ask for advice at appropriate times.
Don’t leave this till the last minute.