Criteria B

Criterion B: Inquiring and designing

Maximum: 8

At the end of year 5, students should be able to:

i. explain a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation

ii. formulate a testable hypothesis and explain it using scientific reasoning

iii. explain how to manipulate the variables, and explain how data will be collected

iv. design scientific investigations.

Achievement level and Level descriptor

0

The student does not reach a standard identified by any of the descriptors below.

1–2

The student is able to:

i. state a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation

ii. outline a testable hypothesis

iii. outline the variables

iv. design a method, with limited success.

3–4

The student is able to:

i. outline a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation

ii. formulate a testable hypothesis using scientific reasoning

iii. outline how to manipulate the variables, and outline how relevant data will be collected

iv. design a safe method in which he or she selects materials and equipment.

5–6

The student is able to:

i. describe a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation

ii. formulate and explain a testable hypothesis using scientific reasoning

iii. describe how to manipulate the variables, and describe how sufficient, relevant data will be collected

iv. design a complete and safe method in which he or she selects appropriate materials and equipment.

7–8

The student is able to:

i. explain a problem or question to be tested by a scientific investigation

ii. formulate and explain a testable hypothesis using correct scientific reasoning

iii. explain how to manipulate the variables, and explain how sufficient, relevant data will be collected

iv. design a logical, complete and safe method in which he or she selects appropriate materials and equipment.