Internal Assessment

Group 4 Aims: “While the scientific method may take on a wide variety of forms, it is the emphasis on a practical approach through experimental work that characterizes these subjects.”scientific method

Group 4 Experimental Skills: “It is important that students are involved in an inquiry-based practical programme that allows for the development of scientific inquiry.”

Internal Assessment: Summary of Changes

Internal Assessment: Time Allocation Contributes 20% to the final assessment A total of approximately 10 hours of teaching should be allocated to the work. This should include: 1.Time for teacher to explain the IA requirements 2.Class time for student to work on IA and to ask questions 3.Time for consultation between teacher and student 4.Time to review and monitor progress 5.Time to check authenticity

Internal Assessment: Safety Follow national or local guidelines Be attentive to guidelines developed for the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE) by the Laboratory Safety Institute (LSI).

Internal Assessment: Assessment Criteria Same for both SL and HL The mark awarded should most fairly reflect the balance of achievement against the criterion. Not every single aspect of a level descriptor must be met for that mark to be awarded. The most appropriate descriptor that describes the student’s work should be chosen. Best-fit approach If between two: Award upper marks if student’s work demonstrates the qualities described to a great extent. Award lower marks if student’s work demonstrates the qualities described to a lesser extent.

Internal Assessment: Assessment Criteria The highest level descriptors do not imply faultless performance but should be achievable by a student. Make assessment criteria available to your students!

Internal Assessment: Possible tasks include: A hands-on laboratory investigation Using a spreadsheet for analysis and modeling Extracting data from a database and analysing it graphically Producing a hybrid spreadsheet/database work with a traditional hands-on investigation Using a simulation provided it is interactive and open- ended

Internal Assessment: Final Notes Allow a wide range of practical activities to be performed. Addresses many of the Learner Profile attributes. Task/product produced should be complex and commensurate with the level of the course.

Internal Assessment: Personal Engagement – Students make IA their own

Internal Assessment: Exploration – scientific context for the work & safety **This indicator should only be applied when appropriate To the investigation. See TSM.

Internal Assessment: Analysis – evidence of selection, recording & interpreting the data relevant to RQ and can support conclusion

Internal Assessment: Evaluation – evidence evaluation of the investigation and the results with regard to the research question and accepted scientific context. **See exemplars in TSM for clarification

Internal Assessment: Communication – investigation is presented and reported in a way that supports effective communication of the focus, process and outcomes. **Incorrect/missing labelling of graphs, tables, images; use of units, decimal places. For issues of referencing and citations refer to the “Academic honesty” section.