2.3 Practical Investigation: How do physicists investigate questions?
Systematic experimentation is an important aspect of physics inquiry. In this area of study, students adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation to generate appropriate primary qualitative and/or quantitative data, organise and interpret the data, and reach and evaluate a conclusion in response to the research question.
Research questions may relate to different scientific methodologies that involve the generation of primary data, controlled experiments, fieldwork, correlational studies, classification and identification, modelling, and the development of a product, process or system. Students may extend their knowledge and skills related to understanding motion by designing and undertaking investigations such as, ‘What are the energy transformations during a theme park ride?’, ‘What are the forces experienced by a netballer’s ankle?’,
‘Is momentum conserved in a football tackle?’ and ‘What is the optimal design of the lightest capsule that is able to prevent an egg breaking during a drop?’. Video analysis can be used to investigate questions such as, ‘Is kinetic energy conserved in a pole vault?’. Questions may be used as a starting point for the investigation, such as ‘Does the shape of the cornea or the material of the lens have a greater effect on refraction?’, ‘How do the structures of winged seeds affect their dispersal?’ and ‘How do buttresses affect the stability of a church?’, or further questions may be posed that have arisen from the options in Unit 2, Area of Study 2.
The student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation relates to knowledge and skills developed
in Area of Study 1 and/or Area of Study 2.
Outcome 3
On completion of this unit the student should be able to draw an evidence-based conclusion from primary data generated from a student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation related to a selected physics question.
OLD RESOURCES
Yr 11 Physics Outcome 3 Practical Investigation 071017
The following provides information about the layout of your poster:
Rules for significant figures: