Year 10 Science Assessment Task 2: Chemistry Data Analysis Study Guide

Assessment Overview and Administrative Details

• Course: Year $10$ Science.
• Task Number: Task $2$ of $4$.
• Task Type: Data Analysis (Written Examination).
• Weighting: $25\%$.
• Distribution Date: May $7^{th}$ (Term $2$, Week $3$).
• Due Date (Examination Date): June $3^{rd}$ (Term $2$, Week $7$).
• Timing:
  • Reading Time: $5\,minutes$.
  • Working Time: $50\,minutes$.
• Session Logistics: The task will be completed during the scheduled Science lesson on June $3^{rd}$. Science classes that do not have a lesson on this specific date will be notified of rearranged times by their respective teachers.
• Equipment Required:
  • Pens.
  • Pencil.
  • Eraser.
  • NESA Approved calculator.
  • Ruler.
  • Note: A Periodic Table will be provided for the task.

Learning Outcomes and Syllabus Indicators

• Working Scientifically Outcomes:
  • SC5-7WS: The student processes, analyses, and evaluates data from first-hand investigations and secondary sources to develop evidence-based arguments and conclusions.
  • SC5-8WS: The student applies scientific understanding and critical thinking skills to suggest possible solutions to identified problems.
  • SC5-9WS: The student presents science ideas and evidence for a particular purpose and to a specific audience, using appropriate scientific language, conventions, and representations.
• Knowledge and Understanding Outcomes:
  • SC5-16CW: The student explains how models, theories, and laws about matter have been refined as new scientific evidence becomes available.
  • SC5-17CW: The student discusses the importance of chemical reactions in the production of a range of substances, and the influence of society on the development of new materials.

Chemistry Core Content and Assessment Scope

Students are expected to revise and demonstrate understanding of the following chemistry topics:

• Classification of Matter: Differentiating between and understanding elements, compounds, and mixtures.
• Periodic Table: Understanding the arrangement of elements and identifying trends across periods (horizontal rows) and groups (vertical columns).
• Atomic Structure: The role of subatomic particles including protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how their configuration determines an element’s specific properties.
• Properties of Elements: Detailed study of the characteristics of metals, non-metals, and metalloids.
• Formation of Ions: The process of atoms gaining or losing electrons to achieve stability and become ions.
• Compounds and Chemical Formula: Techniques for writing and interpreting chemical formulas correctly.
• Chemical Reactions: Identifying various types of chemical reactions and demonstrating the ability to write balanced chemical equations.
• Factors Affecting Reaction Rates: Investigating variables such as:
  • Temperature.
  • Concentration.
  • Surface Area.
  • Catalysts.

Task Requirements and Data Analysis Skills

In this data analysis exam, students will be provided with stimulus material—such as tables, graphs, flow charts, diagrams, or text—and must perform the following actions:

• Interpretation: Describe trends or patterns observed within the provided scientific data.
• Data Translation: Manipulate or translate data from one form into another more appropriate form (e.g., converting a raw data table into a properly formatted graph).
• Explanation and Relationships: Use theoretical Chemistry knowledge to explain what the data reveals and discuss the specific relationships between different variables.
• Scientific Communication: Present ideas clearly and concisely using formal scientific language and appropriate representations.

Preparation Strategies and Study Resources

To prepare effectively for the assessment, students should utilize the following resources and techniques:

• Resources:
  • In-class notes.
  • Education Perfect modules.
  • Prescribed textbooks.
  • Revision resources provided by the classroom teacher.
• Skill Practice:
  • Practice reading and interpreting various exam-style stimulus materials (graphs, tables, and diagrams).
  • Identify independent and dependent variables and describe the nature of their relationships.
  • Practice drawing evidence-based conclusions from data sets.
• Structured Writing:
  • Use structured response frameworks like PEEL:
    • Point: State the main idea.
    • Evidence: Reference the data or stimulus material.
    • Explanation: Connect the evidence to chemistry theory.
    • Link: Reiterate the connection to the original question.
• Support: Seek assistance from teachers regarding any challenging topics before the assessment date.

Feedback Procedures and Evaluation

Following the Assessment Task, feedback will be provided in accordance with the Brigidine College Feedback Policy. Students may receive feedback in the following forms:

• A numerical mark referencing the established marking guidelines.
• Written feedback specifically related to the marking guidelines.
• A description of areas of strength and specific areas identified for improvement.
• Access to copies of exemplar responses.
• Participation in individual or whole-class discussions regarding task performance.

Attendance, Absence, and Malpractice Policies

• Absence/Illness Procedures:
  • A parent or guardian must phone or email the College on the morning of the absence to notify the Pastoral Care Coordinator and the relevant Head of Department.
  • Students must print and complete a Year $7$-$9$ Illness/Misadventure/Special Consideration Form (applicable for Year $10$ context here).
  • A medical certificate or relevant documentation must be submitted to the class teacher or Head of Department on the first school day back.
  • The task must be completed on the first day back at school or during the Wednesday afternoon assessment session. No marking estimates will be provided.
  • The College reserves the right to request a doctor's certificate for patterns of absence.
• Penalties for Late Submission/Absence without Reason:
  • $1$ day late: $10\%$ penalty.
  • $2$ days late: $20\%$ penalty.
  • $3$ days late: $100\%$ penalty.
  • Failure to submit a task or sit an examination without a valid reason, or providing a non-serious attempt, may result in an ‘N’ (Non-completion) warning letter.
• Malpractice Policy at Brigidine College Randwick:
  • Malpractice is defined as any attempt to gain an unfair advantage, including plagiarism, collusion, misrepresentation, and breach of assessment conditions.
  • Knowingly assisting another student in malpractice is considered complicit behavior.
  • Offences are recorded on the Malpractice Register in Schools Online.
  • The penalty for malpractice can be a mark of zero ($0$).