-- Using techniques, apparatus and materials --

✔

Identify apparatus from diagrams or descriptions.

Draw, complete or label diagrams of apparatus.

Use, or explain the use of, common techniques, apparatus and materials.

Select the most appropriate apparatus or method for the task and justify the choice made.

Describe and explain hazards and identify safety precautions.

Describe and explain techniques used to ensure the accuracy of observations and data.

-- Planning experiments and investigations --

✔

Identify the independent variable and dependent variable.

Describe how and explain why variables should be controlled.

Suggest an appropriate number and range of values for the independent variable.

Suggest the most appropriate apparatus or technique and justify the choice made.

Describe experimental procedures.

Identify risks and suggest appropriate safety precautions.

Describe how to record the results of an experiment.

Describe how to process the results of an experiment to form a conclusion or to evaluate a prediction.

Make reasoned predictions of expected results.

-- Making and recording observations, measurements and estimates --

✔

Take readings from apparatus (analogue and digital) or from diagrams of apparatus.

Take readings with appropriate precision, reading to the nearest half-scale division where required.

Correct for zero errors where required.

Make observations, measurements or estimates that are in agreement with expected results or values.

Take sufficient observations or measurements to be reliable.

Repeat observations or measurements where appropriate.

Record qualitative observations from tests.

Record observations and measurements systematically, for example in a suitable table, to an appropriate degree of precision and using appropriate units.

-- Interpreting and evaluating observations and data --

✔

Process data, including for use in further calculations or for graph plotting, using a calculator as appropriate.

Present data graphically, including the use of best-fit lines where appropriate.

Analyse and interpret observations and data, including data presented graphically.

Use interpolation and extrapolation graphically to determine a gradient or intercept.

Form conclusions justified by reference to observations and data and with appropriate explanation.

Evaluate the quality of observations and data, identifying any anomalous results and taking appropriate action.

Comment on and explain whether results are equal within the limits of experimental accuracy (assumed to be ± 10% at this level of study).

-- Evaluating methods and suggesting improvements --

✔

Evaluate experimental arrangements, methods and techniques, including the control of variables.

Identify sources of error, including measurement error, random error and systematic error.

Identify possible causes of uncertainty in data or in a conclusion.

Suggest possible improvements to the apparatus, experimental arrangements, methods or techniques.

-- Taking and recording readings --

✔

Read a data value from an instrument to an accuracy of one half of one of the smallest divisions on the scale.

Interpolate between scale divisions to the nearest half division, where a reading lies between two scale marks.

Record data so as to reflect the precision of the measuring instrument, in the number of decimal places and the unit given.

Give a correct unit with a measurement or calculated quantity, where appropriate.

Head each column of a table with the name or symbol of the quantity and its unit, separated by a solidus, e.g. time / s.

Keep units out of the body of a table.

Repeat each reading, where appropriate, and record it.

Give a measured quantity to a number of significant figures appropriate to the measuring instrument used.

Give a calculated quantity to the same number of significant figures as the least number in the raw data used for it.

Express a ratio as x : y.

-- Drawing and analysing graphs --

✔

Transfer the column headings of a table directly to the axes of a graph.

Draw a graph with a sharp pencil.

Label the axes with the name or symbol of the quantity and its unit, e.g. time / s.

Choose scales that use more than half of the grid in both directions, based on sensible ratios, e.g. 2 cm representing 1, 2 or 5 units.

Mark points clearly as plus signs, crosses or encircled dots of appropriate size.

Plot each point to an accuracy of one half of one of the smallest squares on the grid.

Draw a best-fit line as a single, thin, smooth line or curve by inspection, with points roughly evenly distributed either side of it, ignoring any anomalies identified.

Take readings from the graph by interpolation or extrapolation.

Read a value, and an intercept, from a line on a graph to an accuracy of one half of one of the smallest squares on the grid.

Take the gradient of a straight line using a triangle whose hypotenuse extends over at least half the best-fit line, and mark that triangle on the graph.

Calculate a gradient to two or three significant figures.

Assume that a gradient or intercept used in a later calculation has units consistent with the graph axes.