SvS Biology 2001

 

An explanation of the grades:-
In the context of this assessment

Excellent (Performance Band 6) means that you have; 

• communicated concisely, logically and sequentially
• analyzed, evaluated and presented relevant data effectively
• identified biological relationships
• explained qualitative and quantitative biological relationships and ideas coherently
• synthesized information to draw conclusions 
• used precise biological terms extensively and correctly in a wide range of contexts
   

High (Performance Band 5) means that you have;

• communicated effectively
• analyzed, evaluated and presented data quite effectively
• explained qualitative and quantitative biological relationships and ideas coherently
• identified patterns in data to draw conclusions
• used precise biological terms frequently and correctly in a range of contexts
   
  
  Substantial (Performance Band 4)means that you have;
  
• communicated reasonably well
• analyzed, evaluated and presented data quite effectively
• provided qualitative and quantitative descriptions of biological phenomena
• explained straightforward biological relationships
• used general biological terms frequently and correctly in a range of contexts
  

  Satisfactory (Performance Band 3) means that you have;

• used fundamental written communication
• provided qualitative descriptions of fundamental biological phenomena
• explained some straightforward biological relationships
• used some general biological terms correctly in a limited range of contexts
  

  Elementary (Performance Band 2) means that you have;

• used basic forms of written communication
• presented data with little analysis or evaluation.
• used general biological terms occasionally
  

  Unsatisfactory means that you have not reached an appropriate level because:

• you did not complete or present the assignment on time, or
• you omitted too many parts, or
• you failed to make a serious effort to fulfill the outcomes of the task

H12.3 gather information from secondary sources by:
a) accessing information from a range of resources, including popular scientific journals, digital technologies and the Internet
b) practicing efficient data collection techniques to identify useful information in secondary sources
c) extracting information from numerical data in graphs and tables as well as from written and spoken material in all its forms
d) summarizing and collating information from a range of resources

H12.4 process information to:
c) best illustrate trends and patterns by selecting and using appropriate methods, including computer assisted analysis
d) evaluate the relevance of secondary information and data in relation to the area of investigation
e) assess the reliability of secondary information and data by considering information from various sources
f) assess the accuracy of scientific information presented in mass media by comparison with similar information presented in scientific journals

H13.1 present information by:
a) selecting and using appropriate text types or combinations thereof,  written presentations
b) selecting and using appropriate media to present data and information
c) selecting and using appropriate methods to acknowledge sources of information
e) using a variety of pictorial representations to show relationships and present information clearly and succinctly

H14.1 analyze information to:
a) identify trends, patterns and relationships as well as contradictions in data and information
b) justify inferences and conclusions
c) identify and explain how data supports or refutes an hypothesis, a prediction or a proposed solution to a problem
d) predict outcomes and generate plausible explanations related to the observations
e) make and justify generalizations
g) use cause and effect relationships to explain phenomena

H14.2 solve problems by:
a) identifying and explaining the nature of a problem
b) describing and selecting from different strategies those which could be used to solve a problem
c) using identified strategies to develop a range of possible solutions to a particular problem
d) evaluating the appropriateness of different strategies for solving an identified problem

H14.3 use available evidence to:
a) design and produce creative solutions to problems
b) propose ideas that demonstrate coherence and logical progression and include correct use of scientific principles and ideas
c) apply critical thinking in the consideration of predictions, hypotheses and the results of investigations
d) formulate cause and effect relationships

The Assessment Task requirements:

(Based on:- NSW Stage 6 Biology Syllabus-
9.2.3 "process and analyze information from secondary sources and use available evidence to assess the impact of urban development on the health of aquatic organisms inhabiting these waterways")
 

• Collect newspaper articles, internet articles or information from other sources (eg:  visit National Park & Wildlife Centre), that illustrate the impact of Australian urban development on the health of aquatic organisms that inhabit waterways. (H12.3a)
   
• Select a suitable method of presentation of data, information and references ( see p217 SRAM 11'00).
  - consider how to display your articles and any relevant information contained in them 
  1. summarize important points of each article or as an overview
  2. highlight
  3. loose-leaf or booklet
  4. type or handwrite
• Comment on any trends, patterns and relationships as well as contradictions in the collected information. (H14.1a) - probably a separate page, need not be too long.
• Use and summarize information that has been collected to write a one page essay written by the student titled "Urban Development and its Effects on Aquatic Organisms" for the introduction.  (H13.1b)
   
• Write a one page conclusion which evaluates the appropriateness of different strategies for solving identified problems. (H14.2d)

Return to yr 12 2001 Index

Email me at: vanstriens@knox.nsw.edu.au to post questions

S. van Strien