Work samples

Science

Year 10

Above satisfactory

Mass of Jupiter

Summary of task

Students were asked to perform a scientific investigation related to the motion of objects. Students were required to keep a scientific journal during the investigation and submit a report that conforms with the conventions of a scientific publication.

Two students, after attending a local astronomer's 'members only' viewing night, independently chose the same topic: to determine the mass of Jupiter by observing the orbital patterns of its moons. Both students were supported by mentors from the astronomical society and designed and performed their investigations independently, using slightly different approaches to processing their data. They started to collaborate towards the end of the investigation by sharing their data with each other and they submitted a combined report, referring to their individual methods and results as ‘trial 1’ and ‘trial 2’.

The investigation lasted for a full term and the experimental work was done primarily outside regular school hours.

Achievement standard

By the end of Year 10, students analyse how the periodic table organises elements and use it to make predictions about the properties of elements. They explain how chemical reactions are used to produce particular products and how different factors influence the rate of reactions. They explain the concept of energy conservation and represent energy transfer and transformation within systems. They apply relationships between force, mass and acceleration to predict changes in the motion of objects. Students describe and analyse interactions and cycles within and between Earth’s spheres. They evaluate the evidence for scientific theories that explain the origin of the universe and the diversity of life on Earth. They explain the processes that underpin heredity and evolution. Students analyse how the models and theories they use have developed over time and discuss the factors that prompted their review.

Students develop questions and hypotheses and independently design and improve appropriate methods of investigation, including field work and laboratory experimentation. They explain how they have considered reliability, safety, fairness and ethical actions in their methods and identify where digital technologies can be used to enhance the quality of data. When analysing data, selecting evidence and developing and justifying conclusions, they identify alternative explanations for findings and explain any sources of uncertainty. Students evaluate the validity and reliability of claims made in secondary sources with reference to currently held scientific views, the quality of the methodology and the evidence cited. They construct evidence-based arguments and select appropriate representations and text types to communicate science ideas for specific purposes.

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