PHS SCIENCE FACULTY ASSESSMENT TASK NOTIFICATION
(2025)
Subject: Science Teacher: Chand/Prassel/Vashisht
Course: Year 8 Selective Task Type: Student Research Project
Task Number: 1 Task Weight: 30% of Yearly Total
Notification Date: Week 6:3rd March – 7th March Due Date: Week 10:31st March – 4th April
OUTCOMES ASSESSED
SC4-4WS: Develops questions or hypotheses to be investigated scientifically
SC4-5WS: Produces a plan to investigate identified questions, hypotheses, or problems, individually and
collaboratively
SC4-6WS: Undertakes first-hand investigations to collect valid and reliable data and information, individually and
collaboratively
SC4-7WS: Processes, analyses and evaluates data from firsthand investigations to develop evidence based
arguments and conclusions
SC4-8WS: Applies scientific understanding and critical thinking skills to suggest possible solutions to identified
problems
SC4-9WS: Presents Science ideas and evidence for a particular purpose and to a specific audience, using
appropriate scientific language, conventions and representations
SC4-2VA: shows a willingness to engage in finding solutions to science-related personal, social and global issues,
including shaping sustainable futures
TASK
Students must conduct research and complete a scientific investigation on a topic area of their
choice. (In Pairs)
A formal scientific report must be typed up, printed and submitted no later than Friday 4th of April,
2025 - Week 10.
A detailed description of the task requirements can be found within this booklet.
One copy per pair is to be submitted.
Please note: You MUST submit a hard copy (printed) of your task.
Electronic submissions will not be accepted.
For tasks that are to be handed in, students who submit after the due date will be penalised 10% for every day the task is late up to a
maximum of 5 days. A score of zero will be awarded for any task submitted after the 5th day. Students who are away for an in-class task
will need to bring in a doctor’s certificate or note from their parent/guardian explaining their absence. Failure to carry out an
assessment task will result in a score of zero and a warning letter issued. A student who is absent for a prolonged period (on medical
grounds or other valid) will be awarded an estimate if possible.
1
Head Teacher Signature:
MARKING GUIDELINE
Grade Performance Descriptor Marks
applies extensive knowledge and understanding of scientific models, theories and 85+
laws, and about the nature, use and influence of science
identifies and proposes valid scientific hypotheses, asks questions and makes
A evidence based predictions
creates, plans and organizes appropriate, risk-assessed, safe, and ethical first-hand
scientific investigations both individually and collaboratively
uses critical thinking skills to evaluate trends, patterns and relationships to draw
evidence-based scientific conclusions
effectively gathers, selects, organizes and processes first-hand and secondary sourced
data and information to evaluate issues and inform creative solutions using
appropriate digital technologies
communicates comprehensive understanding of scientific ideas, and related evidence
for a particular purpose and audience using scientific units, language conventions and
text types.
applies thorough knowledge and understanding of scientific models, theories and
laws, and about the nature, use and influence of science
70-84
identifies and proposes coherent hypotheses, asks questions and makes logical
B predictions
plans and organizes appropriate, risk-assessed, safe, and ethical first-hand scientific
investigations
uses critical thinking skills to explain trends, patterns and relationships to draw
scientific conclusions
systematically gathers, selects, organizes and processes first-hand and secondary
sourced data and information to explain issues and inform problem-solving using
appropriate digital technologies
communicates well-developed understanding of scientific ideas to an audience using
scientific units and language conventions
demonstrates sound knowledge and understanding of scientific models, theories and
laws, and about the nature, use and influence of science
50-69
identifies and proposes related hypotheses, asks questions and make predictions
C plans and performs safe, ethical first-hand scientific investigations
explains trends, patterns and relationships to draw scientific conclusions
gathers and selects first-hand and secondary sourced data and information to identify
issues and participate in problem-solving using appropriate digital technologies
communicates sound understanding of scientific ideas to an audience.
demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding of scientific models, theories and 25-49
laws, and about the use and influence of science
asks questions and makes some predictions
D performs safe, ethical first-hand scientific investigations
describes trends, patterns and draws some conclusions
uses first-hand and secondary sourced data and information, and appropriate digital
technologies, to assist in the problem-solving process
communicates basic scientific understanding to an audience
demonstrates elementary knowledge and understanding of some scientific principles, < 25
and about some uses of science
asks questions and attempts prediction
E performs safe, ethical first-hand scientific investigations with guidance
recounts conclusions
uses information provided and, with assistance, participates in problem-solving
activities
with guidance, communicates elementary scientific information to an audience.
2
Instructions to students working in pairs:
The student research project is an important piece of work that contributes 100%
towards your first semester assessment mark.
An outline is given here for you to carefully think about how you will conduct your
experiment. It is strongly recommended you discuss your plan with your teacher prior to the
assessment date.
Submit the Formal Scientific Report on the due dates indicated above. This is based on the
first-hand research you carried out that helped answer your question of choice.
Students must submit report that are original and in their own words.
Support for your research can be sought from your teacher(s).
Safety is an important part of any first-hand investigation. Student research projects must
not include any activities that might be dangerous. This includes using flammable
substances, poisons or any activity that might damage the environment or be harmful to
animals.
You will be assessed on your ability to:
Plan and conduct an appropriate and safe investigation
Use scientific terminology appropriately
Communicate effectively
Write in a logical and sequential manner
In order to do this task, you need to:
Perform a first-hand investigation based on an Aim and a Hypothesis
Produce a set of observations &/or data
Analyse results and make a number of deductions
Produce an experimental record in the form of a Scientific Report
3
Step Process
Step 1 Choose ONE Area of Investigation that you would like to base your project on.
Each activity has questions for the student to research. The research activity will give students
information to consider when planning and conducting their investigations. Other questions can
also be investigated.
1. Does coloured light affect plant growth?
a. How will you measure plant growth?
b. What colours of light will you test?
c. How will you acquire coloured light?
d. Will you water the plants?
e. How long will you monitor the growth of the plants?
f. What other variables will you control?
2. Do all sugars taste the same? Can you taste the difference between the different types of
sugars?
a. What are the most commonly used sugars e.g. glucose, sucrose, etc?
b. Who will be used as testers for the investigation? Justify your choice of testers.
c. Will the sugars be dissolved or used in powder form?
d. How will testers rate the different sugars?
e. Why are different sugars used in different food products?
3. Investigating the ‘Mpemba effect’ – which freezes faster hot or cold water?
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair projects/project ideas/Phys_p032.shtml
a. What temperature is water frozen?
b. Is it important to measure and record the temperature of hot and cold water through
the experiment?
c. What would be the best type of water to use?
d. How much water should be used for the experiment?
4. Can plants grow in the absence of light?
a. How will you measure plant growth?
b. How will you create dark conditions?
c. What variables will you control?
d. How long will you monitor the growth of the plants?
5. How does temperature affect the rate at which Berocca dissolves?
a. How many different temperatures will you test?
b. How will you determine that the Berocca tablet has dissolved?
c. What variables will you control?
6. Does packaging affect the ripening of fruit? http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-
projects/project_ideas/MatlSci_p022.shtml
a. How many different packaging options should you use?
b. How do we determine how fruit ripened?
c. Do we need the same type/amount or different types/amount of fruit?
7. What is the best way to keep an ice cube from melting?
a. Why do ice cubes melt?
b. What could you place an ice cube in to keep it from melting?
c. What kind of equipment do you need to test this?
d. What will you use as controls?
e. How will you ensure your results are reliable?
8. Does age affect human reaction times?
4
a. How will you measure reaction times?
b. Who will be your test subjects?
c. How will you ensure your results are reliable?
d. How will ensure your results are valid?
9. What brand of battery lasts the longest?
a. How many battery brands will you test?
b. How will you test the batteries?
c. Are you able to challenge any claims made by the manufacturer?
d. How will you ensure reliable results?
e. How will you ensure a valid test?
10. Do people prefer sugar or sugar-free soft drinks?
a. What sweeteners are used in sugar and sugar-free soft drinks?
b. How many subjects will participate in your study?
c. What variables will you control?
d. What kind of drinks will you use?
e. Will you perform a blinded study to elimate preconceived notions of sugar or sugar-
free soft drinks?
Step 2 Conducting Background Research:
When doing an investigation, you must include background information about your
area of investigation. This background information helps build your understanding
about the types of results you should expect and how to do the investigation properly.
You will research the questions outlined above for the "area of investigation", along
with any other relevant questions you have. If you plan to do an experiment that is not
listed above, consult your teacher about the kinds of questions you should be
answering
Step 3 Perform your experiment.
Ask yourself:
Have I controlled my variables?
Collect any observations and data from your experiment.
Think about the best way to present your data. You are required to include a table in
your formal report in the results section. What type of table(s) best suits your data?
You would have repeated your experiment to ensure it was reliable, this means you
will need to calculate averages. Ensure you calculate averages. You are also
required to include a graph of your results. Very often you only need to include your
averages in your graph. If you are unsure about what type of graph to include, talk with
your Science teacher.
Ask yourself:
Have I included units?
Are photos appropriate?
Step 4 Plan, write and publish your Scientific Report. Use the data and information that you
have collected and your background information to help you with this task.
Read the Marking Criteria it will help you understand what is needed under each
heading.
5
Research Experiment Outline
Remember a valid experiment can only have one variable that is changed on purpose
(Independent Variable) and another that is affected by that change (what you measure – the
Dependant Variable). All other variables need to be kept constant.
Key points you will need to know about your project:
1) The Idea being researched – this is the focus of your project and should be reflected in your title
and aim.
2) Hypothesis: This is a statement that identifies what you think is the answer to your question.
It is an educated guess of what will happen in your project. It must be an if…. then statement e.g.
“if a teabag is longer, then it will fly higher”. The statement will be tested by your experimentation
3) What is the Independent Variable in your experiment (this is the variable that you change on
purpose).
4) What is the Dependent Variable in your experiment (this is the variable that is affected by the
independent variable. In other words, it is the variable that you measure).
5) Variables that must be controlled in your experiment (kept the same across all treatment
groups).
6) What equipment and how much/what size/how many (be specific don’t say ruler, say a 3-meter
tape measure) will be needed to do the experiment.
7) Provide a method (step by step) of how you will carry out your investigation.
8) Answer the questions on ensuring that your first-hand investigation results are valid and
reliable.
When designing an investigation, it is important that the procedure used ensures that the data
collected will be valid, reliable and accurate.
Validity refers to the extent to which you have actually tested for or measured what is
identified in the aim of the experiment. In order for the data to be valid all variables except
for the independent and the dependent variable must have been controlled or kept
constant. How these variables were kept constant must be clearly identified in the method
of the experiment.
Reliability refers to the degree to which you are sure of your results. Repeated
measurements under the same conditions that give the same results are very reliable. The
more times we repeat an experiment or measurement and get similar results, the surer of
our results we can be.
Accuracy is about how well we were able to measure things in our experiment. Did we
measure length with a meter ruler or a tape measure with millimetres on it? Using the tape
measure is more accurate because we were able to measure more precisely.
6
Scientific Report Scaffold
Name: ____________________ Class: ___________________
Teacher: __________________
Report Title: __________________________________________________ (1 mark)
Give your experiment an appropriate and imaginative name in the space above.
Aim: Your aim should say what you are investigating (2 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Background Information: Include your answers from the questions related to your chosen
investigation – this will help you understand what is happening and why. You can include any
other related and relevant information that you may have researched (3 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
7
Hypothesis: Use an if…then statement to predict what will happen (2 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Variables: Identify your variables in the table below (4 marks)
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Controlled variables
Procedure or Method:
In the space below, record the method you used to carry out your investigation.
Do this by listing the steps you used in the order in which you did them.
Include a labelled diagram of your equipment as it was used. Make sure you are specific and
detailed. Use as many steps as needed to complete your method. (6 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
8
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Diagram: Draw a labelled scientific diagram of your experiment (5 marks)
Results: Record all the data or observations you have collected in an appropriate table below.
Make sure you include the correct units of any data you have collected and appropriate labels
for any columns of data. (5 marks)
9
Graph: Be sure to include a proper scale, label and units for each axis, an appropriate title
and make sure your data are plotted correctly, the graph is big enough and you use the
correct type of graph. (10 marks)
10
Discussion: This is where you talk about what your results mean. Make sure you answer your
hypothesis and describe and explain the patterns in your results in detail. Identify sources of
error in your measurements and comment on the reliability, accuracy and validity of your
experiment. Lastly, suggest one way to improve your method. (10 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
11
Conclusion: This is where you answer the question or statement you wrote in your aim. The
conclusion should be a short statement that summarises what you have learnt from carrying out
your first-hand investigation. Do the results support your hypothesis? (2 marks)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
12
Roles Undertaken Sheet
This must be completed and attached to your groups printed report. Indicate how each of you contributed
to this research task.
It is strongly recommended that there is an equal distribution of the workload for this task. If there is a
significant discrepancy a penalty will be applied.
Contribution by Student 1 Contribution by Student 2
Role
Name _____________________ Name _____________________
Selecting the investigation
and undertaking background
information searches
Gathering equipment
Devising a method and
performing the experiment
Recording and analysing the
results
Discussing the results and
report write up.
Declaration (sign to indicate Signature Signature
this is an honest reflection of
the work undertaken) __________________________ __________________________
_ _
13
Year 8 SRP Marking Criteria
Name______________________
Class___________
Title
Marking Guideline Mark
Appropriate title for report 1 0
Aim
Marking Guideline Mark
Starts with ‘to’ 1 0
Specific, clear, correct 1 0
Total /2
Background
Marking Guideline Mark
Extensive understanding expressed 3
Sound understanding expressed 2
Limited understanding expressed 1
No background information provided 0
Hypothesis
Marking Guideline Mark
Uses ‘if…then’ format 1 0
Refers to both independent and dependent variables 1 0
Total /2
Variables
Marking Guideline Mark
Identifies independent variable correctly 1 0
Identifies dependent variable correctly 1 0
Identifies all appropriate controlled variables 2
Missing one or more controlled variables or incorrectly lists a controlled variable 1
No attempt or incorrectly lists more than two controlled variables 0
Total /4
Method
Marking Guideline Mark
Numbered steps 1 0
No first person 1 0
Specific measurements (eg) 50 mL cup instead of cup 1 0
Repetition (specific number of times) 1 0
Logical sequence of actions 1 0
Detailed and complete instructions 1 0
Total /6
Diagram
Marking Guideline Mark
Uses pencil 1 0
Uses a ruler 1 0
Equipment set up as in experiment 1 0
Correct 2D scientific diagrams of equipment 1 0
Labels all equipment 1 0
Total /5
14
Results
Marking Guideline Mark
All data in one table 1 0
Appropriate units 1 0
Appropriate headings 1 0
Averaging 1 0
Repetition 1 0
Total /5
Graph
Marking Guideline Mark
Linear scale on both axes 2 0
Appropriate labels (for each axis) 1 0
1 0
Appropriate units (for each axis) 1 0
1 0
Appropriate title 1 0
Appropriate type of graph (line/column) 1 0
Graph takes up ½ page or more 1 0
Data plotted accurately 1 0
Total /10
Discussion
Marking Guideline Mark
Answers hypothesis 1 0
Identifies trends/patterns in the data with an extensive explanation 4
Identifies trends/patterns in the data and gives a sound explanation 3
Identifies trends/patterns in the data with basic explanation 2
Identifies with trends/patterns in the data with no explanation 1
Does not identify trends in data or incorrectly identifies trends in data 0
Comments on the reliability of the experiment 1 0
Comments on the accuracy of the experiment 1 0
Comments on the validity of the experiment 1 0
Identifies one or more appropriate sources of error 1 0
Suggests one or more appropriate ways to improve the experiment 1 0
Total /10
Conclusion
Marking Guideline Mark
Answers aim 1 0
Answers hypothesis 1 0
Total /2
Marker Signature Mark /50
Marker comments
15
16
