Exam Preparation and Open vs. Closed Systems Analysis

Complex Problem Solving: Success in the upcoming exam is dependent on the ability to handle "meatier" questions, specifically those involving brackets. Mastery of these types of problems is a key indicator of readiness.
Time Management and Precision: The primary challenge in the exam will not necessarily be the difficulty of the material, but the pressure of time. Under time pressure, students are prone to making mistakes if they are not careful.

Holistic Assessment: Assessment is not limited to theoretical content learned in class; it encompasses the laboratory experiences and practicals ("pracs") conducted throughout the semester.
Documentation and Connection: Every practical performed in class is documented in OneNote. This documentation is purposefully connected to the theoretical principles discussed in class, ensuring a cohesive understanding of chemistry.
Purpose of Laboratory Work: Every practical done in class has a specific purpose. While not all will be explicitly questioned in the exam, any of them could be potentially included as the basis for an assessment task.
Future Labs: A series of practicals are scheduled for the week following the exam. While these are not assessed and do not need to be studied for the examination, they are considered essential for the broader curriculum.

Experimental Application: The Law of Conservation of Mass can be demonstrated by comparing chemical reactions in open and closed environments.
Case Study: Open Systems: An open system, such as a beaker without a cork, allows matter to interact with the environment.
- The Problem of Mass Loss: If a reaction produces a gas, such as carbon dioxide ( $CO_2$ ) or hydrogen ( $H_2$ ), that gas is released into the atmosphere if the system is not contained.
- Experimental Result: In an open system, if you weigh the products against the reactants, the products will appear to weigh less because the released gas is no longer part of the measured mass.
Case Study: Closed Systems: A closed system, managed by using a cork or a balloon, prevents the escape of matter.
- Evidence of Conservation: A balloon attached to the top of a reaction vessel serves as physical evidence that the product is being collected. By trapping the gas, the system allows for an accurate measurement of the law of conservation of mass.
Hypothetical Exam Scenario (The "Johnny" Example):
- Scenario: Johnny is conducting a practical where he observes a chemical reaction in two beakers: one closed and one open.
- Connection to Theory: This setup tests the conservation of mass. In the open beaker, gases escape, making it appear that mass has been lost. In the closed beaker, all matter is contained, proving that the mass of reactants equals the mass of products.

The Importance of Practice: Developing Science Inquiry Skills is a matter of repetition and practice rather than rote memorization. The speaker likens their emphasis on this to a "broken record."
Volume of Practice: While students are not necessarily expected to have completed every single one of the approximately $16$ science inquiry questions provided during the semester, they should have completed a significant portion to build proficiency.
Exam Techniques and Tools:
- Highlighters: Students are encouraged to bring a highlighter into the exam to identify key points and clarify exactly what the question is asking.
- Command Verbs: It is essential to understand the specific nuances and differences between instructions such as "explain," "refute," and "justify."
Mark Allocation and Weighting: Science inquiry questions are heavily weighted. Even if there are only three or four such questions in the exam, they may be worth as much as $20$ marks total. Missing these questions due to a lack of preparation can significantly impact the overall score.