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Year 11 · 2017 syllabus · Module 1 pilot

Observations before explanations — Build worksheet

Original practice. Write explanations that distinguish observations, evidence and claims.

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Name: __________________________ Date: ______________

Question 1

Write one qualitative and one quantitative observation about a pencil without explaining either.

Question 2

Identify the inference: the metal is orange-brown; its mass is 42.1 g; it has rusted because it was wet.

Question 3

Repair “Lots of bubbles appeared quickly.”

Teacher answer key — 3 questions

Model responses identify the essential ideas. Accept scientifically correct alternatives that address the question; wording need not match exactly.

  1. Qualitative: the pencil has a hexagonal cross-section. Quantitative: its measured length is 174 mm. Accept equivalent direct observations with units where relevant.
  2. The third statement proposes a mechanism. Colour and measured mass are observations.
  3. For example: 18 visible bubbles larger than 1 mm crossed the marked line in the first 30 s. Credit operational definition, quantity and time.