1. Key stage 3 Group 4 project (KS3-G4P) KCCIS Science Department

2. What is Group 4 project? Biology Chemistry Design technology (DT) Physics Environmental sciences Students who are taking the course are required to complete a compulsory project during their study. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Group 4- Experimental sciences

3. Why are we doing Group 4 project? ‘ Students explore the concepts, theories, models and techniques that underpin each subject area and through these develop their understanding of the scientific method.’ (International Baccalaureate Organization,2011.)

4. Time line

5. Before and during Easter break Before Easter break - Introduce KS3-Group IV to students. During Easter break -Students work in groups for planning. (Planning, Obtaining evidence, Analysing & Evaluating evidence)

6. After Easter break 16 th April 2012 - Hand-in planning to science teachers. 23 rd April – 11 th May (2 weeks) - Science teachers provide feedback. - Students modify their planning. - Students carry out preliminary round (optional). - Students finalise planning. 14 th -18 th May 2012 - Carry out investigation. - Present investigation on a poster. End of May or early June - The best group (from each class) will present their investigation (on Power Point slides) to their year group.

7. Rules and Regulations

8. Rules and regulations  All students will work in groups of 3-4 students assigned by their science teacher throughout the investigation.  Year 9 students will need to decide on their investigation topic. Each topic is only limited to 2 groups in each class.  The text for planning and on the final poster can either be typed or handwritten.

9. Rules and regulations One best group will be chosen from each class. Year 7Year 8Year 9 Year 7C Year 7G Year 7O Year 8A Year 8B Year 8X Year 9M Year 9N Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 3 best groups 3 best groups 2 best groups

10. Rules and regulations  Dr. Aravind, Ms. Tse and Ms. Ali (for year 9s) are the judges for this event. They will assess the poster from each group to make the final decisions regarding the best group from each class.  Attractive prizes will be awarded to the best groups from each class.

11. Research Topics

12. Year 7 Research topic Investigate the absorbency of toilet papers * Results include a table and bar chart.

13. Year 8 Research topic How does a ramp affect an object’s motion? * Results include a table and a graph. A ramp

14. Year 9 Research topics 1) Investigate the making of electricity using fruits and vegetables 2) Investigate the period of a simple pendulum 3) Investigate how insulating materials can slow down the melting of ice 4)Investigate the effects of temperature and pH on enzyme activity * Each topic is only limited to 2 groups in each classes. * Results include a table and a graph.

15. Important documents Available on the cLc under “KS3 - G4P” folder: 1) Assessment criteria for scientific investigation 2) Guidelines for a scientific investigation

16. Exceptional performances! ‘Pupils recognise that different approaches are required to investigate different kinds of scientific questions, and use scientific knowledge and understanding to select appropriate strategies. They readily identify hazards, seek appropriate risk assessment information and advice, select that which is relevant and, in consultation with their teacher, adjust practice as required. They make records of relevant observations and comparisons, clearly identifying points of particular significance. They decide the level of precision needed for measurements and collect data that satisfy these requirements. They analyse findings to interpret trends and patterns and draw conclusions from their evidence. They make effective use of a range of quantitative relationships between variables in calculations or when using data to support evidence. They communicate findings and arguments, showing their awareness of the degree of uncertainty and a range of alternative views. They evaluate evidence critically and give reasoned accounts of how they could collect additional evidence.’ – How Science Works, National Curriculum UK.

17. Good luck!!