A
practical investigation is an activity that includes collecting, processing and interpreting data. For this standard the investigation must lead to a linear mathematical relationship.
Carry out a practical physics investigation involves:
- developing a method for collecting the data
- collecting primary data, with units, manipulating the independent variable over a reasonable range and number of values
- drawing a graph, based on the data
- writing a conclusion that links the processed data to the identified trend on the graph.
For Merit also include:
- controlling the variable(s) that could have a significant effect on the results
- using technique(s) that increase the accuracy of the measured values of the dependent (and independent, if appropriate) variable
- drawing a linear graph, valid for the data
- writing a conclusion that states the equation of the relationship.
For Excellence write a discussion that validates the conclusion. Therefore include:
- a justification for the accuracy-improving techniques used
- a reason that there is a limit to either end of the value chosen for the independent variable
- a justification why a variable needs to be controlled
- a description of any difficulties encountered when making measurements and how these difficulties were overcome
- a link between investigation findings and applicable physics ideas
- a description of any unexpected outcomes of the processing of the results and a suggestion of how these outcomes could have been caused and/or the effect they had on the validity of the conclusion.