Physics IA’s

Peer/Self Editing sheets

Criterion A; Personal engagement

Strands

Strand description

Moderate connection
Strong connection

Weak connection
The evidence of personal engagement with the exploration is clear with
significant independent thinking, initiative or creativity.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 There is a connection between the physics and the life and interests of
the student.
 The student has demonstrated a significant amount of thinking, so if
the teacher gave a lot of direction this will impact the grade, if there is
little imagination in the creation of that lab and the lab is rather generic
this will also limit to a 1 max
The justification given for choosing the research question and/or the topic
under investigation demonstrates personal significance, interest or curiosity.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 We need background information that also ties into the next criterion.
Talk about the physics in general, do research and find out more that
what you’ve learnt in class. Eg if you did Snell’s law give some
background detail about the nature of light and how it might be
impeded as it going to a more dense medium. As you are giving this
background information what personal connections can you make.
Where have you noticed this phenomena is the real world.
There is evidence of personal input and initiative in the designing,
implementation or presentation of the investigation.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Discussion of what was done, what and why modifications needed to
be done to the experiment to adjust to results or conditions you were
not anticipating.
Criterion B; Exploration

Strand description
The topic of the investigation is identified and a relevant and fully focused

Moderate connection
research question is clearly described.

Strong connection

Weak connection
The background information provided for the investigation is entirely
appropriate and relevant and enhances the understanding of the context of the
investigation.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 You have a research question that is linked to your background
information, your background information needs to be broad dealing
with as aspect of physics, but then there needs to be a narrowing of
these concepts into a research question.
 Unlike grade 10 this is an investigation so it’s possible to consider
different independent variables, but not at the same time. By
considering more than one independent variables it’s possible to see
how consistent a relationship is when now considering another slightly
different variation. Eg. Adela looked at the consistency of a pencils
conductivity, she used the same type of pencil to check how consistent
this was, but when she did this she did experiment again looking at a
different type of pencil, 2B and HB

The methodology of the investigation is highly appropriate to address the

research question because it takes into consideration all, or nearly all, of the
significant factors that may influence the relevance, reliability and sufficiency of
the collected data.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 This is your typical method of a lab;
o Identify variables
o Discuss the controlled variables, the what, how and why
o You need a minimum of 5 independent variable changes
o Method of how the lab would be done, including any safety
precautions needed (see below)
The report shows evidence of full awareness of the significant safety, ethical or
environmental issues that are relevant to the methodology of the
investigation.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Even if there are little safety or ethical issues the ideas need to be
addressed.
 Obviously using electricity and height, safety for the participants in
needed.
But in addition it can be safety to equipment, what needs to be done so that
the equipment is not damaged. Eg when Matthew put clams onto his tennis
racket, did he put some padding on the clams so when he tightened the clamps
on the shaft it did not damage the tennis racket. When using the Pasco cars are
they placed upside down when not in use to avoid them rolling off the table
and falling on the floor.
Criterion C; Analysis

The report includes sufficient relevant quantitative and qualitative raw data

Moderate connection
that could support a detailed and valid conclusion to the research question.

Strong connection

Weak connection
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Raw data recorded in a table with appropriate structure, heading and
units.
 A consideration of observation that might impact the accuracy of the
result recorded, this could be in a table with the observation made and
how the lab was modified so that the impact on the data could have
been minimalized.
Appropriate and sufficient data processing is carried out with the accuracy
required to enable a conclusion to the research question to be drawn that is
fully consistent with the experimental data.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Averages calculated, absolute errors calculated using (Max – Min)/2,
 Graphs drawn
o Axis labeled with title, error size and units
o Data plotted
o Error bars on data points
o Line of best fit with equation and R2
o Data transformed to give linear graph
o Maximum and Minimum Gradients determined
o Sample calculations included
The report shows evidence of full and appropriate consideration of the impact
of measurement uncertainty on the analysis.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
o Show how the errors in measurements carry through to impact of the
actual result. Ultimately how the size of the error bars are justified and
therefore how the max and Min gradients are calculated.
The processed data is correctly interpreted so that a completely valid and
detailed conclusion to the research question can be deduced.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Looking at the processing of Data what do we see? What is obvious.
Put this into a statement without interpretation at this stage. What can be seen
from the processing of data?
Criterion D; Evaluation

Criterion C; Analysis

A detailed conclusion is described and justified which is entirely relevant to the

Moderate connection
research question and fully supported by the data presented.

Strong connection

Weak connection
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 This is the most important part of Evaluation but it’s the one students
often neglect to do. The whole reason for taking designing and lab to
take reading, recording the data and then to present the data in tables
and graphs is to then come up with a statement about the relationship
of the variables and the certainty of this result.
 Look at the statements written in the last stage of analysis and start to
explain the implication of the results obtained.
 MAKE sure you are writing out statements and equations from graph
with the relevant units in the equations.
A conclusion is correctly described and justified through relevant comparison
to the accepted scientific context.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Comment on the appropriateness of your equations, are the equations
valid for a broad range of results or just a specific range. Do the various
turning points and intercepts of the equations make sense.
 If you have a linear equation discuss the implication of the gradient and
the y intercept.
 Ensure that you are now relating you finding back to your research
question specifically and then back to your background information in a
general
 Does you results make sense to the context of your investigation
Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation, such as limitations of the data
and sources of error, are discussed and provide evidence of a clear
understanding of the methodological issues involved in establishing the
conclusion.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Looking for real insightful responses here that give depth and a genuine
issue to your experiment.
 Avoid using generalized generic responses like taking more reading or
using ‘better’ equipment. Use specific information, like what will you
gain from doing more reading, or what limitation did you notice with
your equipment and what is the exact equipment you could use as an
alternative and how will this help.
The student has discussed realistic and relevant suggestions for the
improvement and extension of the investigation.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Similar to above, only specific and relevant improvement and
extensions will result in addressing this point.
Criterion E; Communication

Strands

The presentation of the investigation is clear. Any errors do not hamper

Moderate connection
understanding of the focus, process and outcomes.

Strong connection

Weak connection
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 A meaningful investigation, where there is clear context for the
investigation with appropriate background information.
 A focused investigation where a suitable outcome are supplied

The report is well structured and clear: the necessary information on focus,
process and outcomes is present and presented in a coherent way.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 So it’s easy to read and interpret all aspects of the report, and there is
a depth to the information presented.
The report is relevant and concise thereby facilitating a ready understanding of
the focus, process and outcomes of the investigation.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 An in depth report, 12 pages or less with the appropriate amount of
information to give a clear and concise understanding of the report.
 A bad report no matter how well written will not score a good result
for communication
The use of subject-specific terminology and conventions is appropriate and
correct. Any errors do not hamper understanding.
What we are looking for particularly here is;
 Not using silly lengths to artificially sound smart, but consistently using
strong and appropriate scientific language.