Science Coursework Glossary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Aindex

accuracy: How close a measured value is to its "true" value if it could be measured without any errors. Experiments need to be designed to give the best possible accuracy.

anomaly: Anything that is odd or doesn't look quite right. This could be due to human error, equipment malfunction, or an interesting but unexpected scientific phenomenon.

Bindex

bar chart: Usually used for categoric independent variables only. Usually drawn with bars separated by spaces.

Cindex

categoric variable: see variable type - categoric

continuous variable: see variable type - continuous

Dindex

discrete variable: see variable type - discrete

Eindex

evidence: Your results, all your observations and measurements.

Findex

factor (...key factor, variable): Another name for variable.

fair test: An experiment where just one independent variable is changed through a range of values and the resulting change on a dependent variable is measured.

Final Mark Total: The maximum Final Mark Total is 60 for Double Award, 30 for Single Award and Single Science Subjects. Refer to the marks section for details of how to calculate the total.

Foundation (...Higher): GCSE Foundation level. Covers grades C to G.

Gindex

Hindex

Higher (...Foundation): GCSE Higher level. Covers grades A* to D.

Iindex

input variable: An alternative description for the independentVariable.

investigation - full: A written report which contains all four skill areas.

investigation - full practical: A written report which contains all four skill areas and involved practical work to obtain the evidence. Not theoretical modelling, data research using the Internet, etc.

investigation - single skill(s): A written report which contains 1,2 or 3 of the 4 skill areas.

Jindex

justify: Use scientific ideas to explain why something happens, not to just state what does happen.

Kindex

key factor (...variable): An important variable, or one which has a big effect.

Lindex

line of best fit (...trendLine): Single line drawn through a series of data points as a best representation of the underlying trend. Can be a straight line or a curve.

line graph (...scatter graph): Data is plotted as (x,y) coordinates. A single line of best fit is drawn through the plotted points. The independent variable usually goes along the x axis.

Mindex

measurement: Normally a numerical value.

method (...procedure): A step by step explanation of how the experiment is carried out. It should be concise and have a logical sequence. Anything done to improve the accuracy or reliability of measurements should be included. The method is always accompanied by a diagram of the experimental set-up.

moderation, moderator: The moderator is a person employed by the exam board to select and check the marking of a random sample of coursework scripts from a school. If a significant number of scripts have been marked incorrectly then the marks for all the students at the school are adjusted up or down accordingly.

Nindex

Oindex

observation: Normally a visual description.

output variable: An alternative description for the dependent variable.

Pindex

portfolio: All your written science coursework.

precise, precision: The smallest division you can reliably measure to.
e.g. to the nearest centimetre, millimetre, tenth of a millimetre etc.

prediction (...scientific model): A scientific model to explain what happens, and why it happens.

preliminary work: Trial experiments to find out what happens. These results are usually needed to decide upon suitable values and ranges for all of the variables. The trial results also help with the development of a scientific model (prediction).

procedure (...method): Posh word for method; i.e. a description of what you have to do.

Qindex

quantitative relationship: A relationship between variables that can be described, in a numerical way, with an equation.
e.g. y is inversely proportional to x.

qualitative relationship: A relationship between variables that is only described in very general terms.
e.g. y increases as x increases

Rindex

range: The range of values covered by the independent (or dependent) variable. The difference between the smallest and biggest values.

references (...secondary sources): If you quote anything from a book or other resource then the source of information should be made clear. For a book give the title and author, for Internet information give the web address and title of the web site.

reliability: How sure you are that if someone else carried out your investigation they would get the same results and come to the same conclusions. Unreliable conclusions are worthless, other than telling you that the investigation must be modified and improved.

regression: Mathematical term for calculating a line of best fit.

repeat: Take and record measurements or observations more than once to improve reliability and accuracy.

risk assessment (...safety): 1. An assessment of all possible hazards that may occur during the investigation.
2. The precautions required to ensure that there is minimal risk to personal safety.

Sindex

safety (...risk assessment): The Plan must include all (non-trivial) safety precautions. The investigation must also be carried out safely.

Sc1: The Science National Curriculum is split into four parts.
Sc1=Investigative Science, Sc2=Biology, Sc3=Chemistry, Sc4=Physics

scatter graph (...line graph): Sometimes used as another name for a line graph. More particularly as a line graph where all the (x,y) data points are plotted, rather than just the average value. This better shows the "scatter" (i.e. variability) in the data.

scientific model (...prediction): A description (including diagrams) of what happens, and why it happens, explained using scientific knowledge. Where possible the model should be quantitative. i.e. include mathematical equations.

secondary sources: Books, reference data, the internet, experts.

skill areas: There are 4 skill areas;
P - Planning Experimental Procedures
O - Obtaining Evidence
A - Analysing Evidence and Drawing Conclusions
E - Evaluating Evidence

SPG - Spelling Punctuation and Grammar: Marks were awarded separately for this in the previous mark scheme that finished in Summer 2002.

strategy (...procedure, method): Another word for method; i.e. a description of what you have to do.

Tindex

trend: Mathematical description of how the results change, whether they increase or decrease, and the rate at which they increase or decrease.

trend line (...line of best fit): Another name for a line of best fit.

Uindex

unit: The unit of measurement for a physical quantity; e.g. seconds (s), kilograms (kg), volts (V)

Vindex

variable (...factor)

A variable is anything that can change.

independent variable (...input variable): The one you change, independently, through a series of preset values

dependent variable (...output variable): The one you want to find out about. Its value depends upon the value you set the independent variable to.

control variable: Any other variable in the experiment. Its value must be kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure a fair test.

variable type

continuous: Varies continuously and can have any value. e.g. length, time.

discrete: Changes by discrete amounts; i.e. in steps, or by one at a time. e.g. number of petals in a flower.

categoric: Usually a descriptive category. e.g. colour, shape, size, type.