For this task students select two kinds of activity from those labelled on a diagram of an erupting volcano. Students write a description and the problems or dangers associated with each activity.
Students look at two diagrams. The first shows iron nails in test tubes with boiled water or tap water, the second shows iron nails with moisture either present or absent. Students answer five questions about these investigations.
From a diagram of an experimental set up, students answer questions based on fair testing principles. Questions cover the control of variables, and measurement of results.
For this practical task students follow a plan to determine the effects of a weak acid on different building materials. Students need to put their results into a table and write a conclusion.
For this practical task students follow a plan to determine the best temperature for the reaction of rennet with milk. Students need to make observations and write a report on their findings.
Task: Describe what happens to ice in a glass of water, giving reasons, and explain where water forming on the outside of the glass comes from. Assessment focus: changes of state.
This practical task has two parts. The first part of this practical requires students to observe the effects of different indicators on different substances. Students use these results to identify if some other substances are acid, alkali, or neutral.
Task: Measure 100mL of water into three different pieces of equipment. Weigh the result and calculate the precision of using that piece of equipment. Assessment focus: measuring and evaluating the accuracy of equipment.
Task: Students place in order four beakers of copper sulphate solution from most to least concentrated. They then explain what would happen if two beakers were put together, and explain the term "concentration". Assessment focus: solutions.
Students are provided with some information about testing leaves for starch. They are required to match the steps in the process with their purpose, and to explain what substance is present that turns iodine blue-black.
Students are given an outline of a fair test. They are asked to identify the aim, variables to be controlled, how to judge the results, and an aspect of replication.
Students are given an experimental setup of heating water with a burning peanut and are asked how they could change this in three ways to get a greater temperature increase. Students are also asked to give two important experimental conditions that should remain the same if the experiment was repeated.
Students are given diagrams of an experiment on photosynthesis using pond weed. Students are asked to put the diagrams of the experiment into the correct order, to give an aim, identify the gas produced, name the process in plants that produces this gas, and to write a conclusion for the experiment.