Key stage 3 Group 4 project

(KS3-G4P)

KCCIS Science Department

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

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.)

Time line

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)

After Easter break

16th April 2012

- Hand-in planning to science teachers.

23rd April – 11th May

(2 weeks)

- Science teachers provide feedback.- Students modify their planning.- Students carry out preliminary round (optional).- Students finalise planning.

14th -18th 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.

Rules and Regulations

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.

Rules and regulations

One best group will be chosen from each class.

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9Year 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

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.

Research Topics

Year 7 Research topic

Investigate the absorbency of toilet papers

* Results include a table and bar chart.

Year 8 Research topic

How does a ramp affect an object’s motion?* Results include a table and a graph.

A ramp

Year 9 Research topics

1) Investigate the making of electricity using fruits and vegetables

2) Investigate the period of a simple pendulum3) Investigate how insulating materials can slow down

the melting of ice4)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.

Important documents

Available on the cLc under “KS3 - G4P” folder:

1) Assessment criteria for scientific investigation

2) Guidelines for a scientific investigation

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.

Good luck!!