VCE Physics Outcome 1

SAC: Unit 3 Outcome 1

Investigate motion and related energy transformations experimentally, and use the Newtonian model in one and two dimensions to analyse motion in the contexts of transport and related aspects of safety, and motion in space.

Task
Student designed extended practical investigation This task will be marked out of 40. It is one of two tasks for this outcome and will contribute 50% of the marks (40) allocated for this outcome. A second task will be undertaken for this outcome. The task has been designed to allow achievement up to and including the highest level in the Performance Descriptors. You have 240 minutes of class time to complete the task. This task should be completed within one week. You can access any materials and resources. Following are the main components of the task: Stage One Preparation (40 mins) In pairs design a suitable experiment to explore one of the concepts covered in the Core Study Motion in 2 Dimensions. Stage Two Experiment 100 mins) In pairs conduct your experiment and record all necessary data to allow complete analysis of two variables. Stage Three Report (100 mins) Individually analyse and report on your experimental results. This report is the formally assessed component of the task. This task covers a range of key knowledge and key skills from this outcome.

Task
Introduction The guidelines below are taken from p.26 of the VCE Physics Study design and provide you with a detailed overview of the task requirements: In this unit, students select focused research questions and formulate a quantitatively testable hypothesis. They identify variables of significance to an investigation and decide the appropriate variables to be controlled. They adapt or extend given methods, and design their own methods, for the control of variables and the systematic collection of sufficient relevant data for focused investigations. Students record raw qualitative and quantitative data accurately and present processed data, including correct use of units, symbols and formulas, to ensure that relationships between variables are evident. They select and use appropriate materials, apparatus and measurement procedures to ensure a high degree of reliability and accuracy in the data. Students interpret their results to draw relevant conclusions from their investigations. They identify sources of error and estimate uncertainties in, and reliability of, data and derived quantities. They analyse procedures and results, taking into account limitations of, and weaknesses and errors in, techniques and equipment. Alternative

interpretations of data and results are identified and explained. They identify and apply safe and responsible practices when designing and completing independent and collaborative investigations. Students perform a risk assessment of their method and modify it to minimise risks. VCAA VCE Physics Study Design The three main stages of the task are detailed below. Stage One Preparation (40 mins) You will work in a group. In groups (of two or three) choose a principle of Physics covered in the Core Study Motion in 2 dimensions and devise an experiment which will investigate the effect of changing two variables. Complete the EPI proposal form on pages 34 and submit it to your teacher for approval. Approval will be based upon the following criteria 1. Safety of experiment to participants and others 2. Relevance to the Core study 3. Availability of required apparatus 4. Feasibility of obtaining results within the time frame allotted. Note: Only one proposal form is needed to be submitted by each group however each member must have a copy of the proposal in their logbook.

EPI PROPOSAL FORM Name of students involved:

Name of experiment:

Aim of experiment:

Background Physics: (include any formulae)

List the two variables to be investigated:

List all parameters to remain constant:

Purpose of experiment (Why are you doing this? What do you expect to achieve?)

Method (How will you conduct your experiment?) List steps to be taken.

Apparatus: (list all equipment and recording instruments required. If equipment is not available at school where is it to come from?)

Safety precautions required: (How will you ensure no one will be at risk of injury?)

Accepted:

Yes

No

Teachers Signature

Stage Two: Experimental Work (100 mins) Work in your groups. The aim of this stage is to perform the experiment and obtain all necessary data to achieve the stated purpose of the EPI. At the end of this stage all results should be collated averaged and stored in suitable tables and graphs (if relevant) to allow proper analysis. Comparison to expected results should be favourable. Perform the experiment and record all data. Ensure any changes to method and apparatus are noted as only the final experimental configuration will be presented as the method in the final report. All data must be saved for the logbook. Be aware that this stage can involve a long period of set up and trial and error until the experiment works satisfactorily. You should enter this stage with theoretical results calculated and also with appropriate tables and graphs ready to perform immediate analysis to check if results are suitable to avoid the need for repeating the experiment again (if time permits). Stage Three: Report (100 mins) Students work alone. This stage is the where you finalise your discussion and analysis of the experiment and draw conclusions. It is to be conducted under examination conditions but with access to all your data and resources but no conversation between fellow students. You can enter this stage with a rough draft of your discussion and conclusion (which will be included in your logbook). Prior to this stage you should have worked in your groups out of class time (if necessary) to analyse the data and determine where errors occurred, the impact of the two variables, ways in which you could improve your experimental method and the limitations of the equipment used. The report should be word processed or handwritten and completed up to the discussion and conclusion sections prior to entering this stage. At the conclusion of the 100 minutes the discussion and conclusion should be added to the report and submitted along with the logbook for assessment. The report should include the following sections. Recommended length is indicated: Title (1 line, include your name) Aim and Hypothesis, if relevant, of 2 or 3 sentences One or two sentences maximum, identifying the concept to be investigated and the two variables to be manipulated. Background Physics (if applicable) (12 pages) An explanation of the relevant theory involved in the investigation including any formulae. Apparatus ( a page, use multiple columns for large lists) A list of all equipment used and the number of each required. Method (1 page maximum) A numbered step by step explanation of the final experimental procedure used, written in the third person. Results (and observations) (length depends number of tables and graphs produced) All tables and graphs used in the analysis of the data. Any data referred to should be included in this section. Raw data should be placed in an appendix. Avoid producing repetitive graphs. Discussion (12 pages excluding tables and graphs) An analysis of the data, including calculations, identification of trends in results, links between theory and results. An explanation of any sources of inaccuracy and error. Suggestions about how to improve the experiment. An explanation of any problems incurred and how they were overcome. Justifications to support any findings. The results and discussion may be combined to make the reading of the report easier

 Conclusion (23 sentences) A brief summary of what was found. This must relate directly to the aim. A summary table if relevant could be included. Appendix All raw data recorded before averages and outliers were considered.