Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 1

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

A: A good introduction
with an aim and also
indicating personal
engagement to follow.

D: Preliminary reflection
to justify the collection
of data.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 2

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

D: Good reflection even

before starting the data
collection.

E: Understanding
shown.

A: The setup is very

carefully and clearly
explained

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 3

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

B: Good representation
of data.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 4

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 5

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

D: Reflects and
comments that there is
no need for
mathematical analysis
to realize that the model
is not good.

E: Although this does

not sound right, it is
condoned because
candidate goes on to
explain how a cubic
must have at least one
real root.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 6

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

B: Good representation
of data.

D: Reflection.
E: But a sine function
also has a turning point
so isn't it futile to try
out?

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 7

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

D: Meaningful
reflection.

D: Some critical
reflection here to justify
the model.

C: The student has

carried out research to
obtain a better model.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 8

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

E/B: Excellent use of

spreadsheet that
enhances the
exploration.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 9

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

A: Well explained.
E: Good understanding
shown.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 10

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

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 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

D: More reflection to
justify conclusion.

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 12

 Example 12: Microwave popcorn—annotated student work

Mathematics: analysis and approaches and mathematics: applications and interpretation 13