Coursework

In this course, students are encouraged to develop a fuller understanding of scientific phenomena, the nature of theories and the procedures of scientific investigation. Students are likely to carry out a wide variety of experimental work during the course including:

• directed experiments with closed outcomes to assist in understanding or recall of content,
• skill exercises, to help students to master manipulative skills,
• a complete investigation (in A2) during which they identify their own problem for study, select the method of proceeding, and choose the techniques to be employed.

The investigative spirit of the course means that teachers encourage students to:

• gather information from a number of sources, including the use of IT and data bases,
• plan and provide opportunities to use information technology to record and display data from experiments,
• consider any risks involved in the experiments they intend to carry out,
• make careful observation and measurement,
• record and present data and observations using a wide range of forms including graphs and mathematical relationships, employing IT when appropriate,
• look for patterns in data and observations
• appraise critically the findings of experimental work, including the identification and accounting for anomalous results and experimental error.

As a result of all this activity, the students develop their experimental skills to:

a plan experimental activities
b carry out experimental work
c analyse and draw conclusions from the results of their experimental work
d evaluate their work.

This is the basis of coursework in this Nuffield course.