Sample work Science and Technology K–6 Stage 2: Investigating the human machine

Description of activity

Students design ways to investigate some physical features of the human body that can be measured, such as height, reflexes or balance.

Instructions:

1. Students discuss a range of questions which can be tested in an investigation such as:
   • who is the tallest?
   • who can jump the furthest?
   • who can stand the longest on one leg?
   • who has the fastest reaction time?
2. Working in groups students select a question and develop a design idea for an investigation to test the question.
3. They make a prediction of the possible results of the investigation.
4. Students record a plan of the investigation to test their prediction including the equipment they will use and how they will make accurate measurements.
5. They select and use appropriate equipment to conduct the investigation.
6. Students make accurate measurements and record their results in a table.
7. Students draw a conclusion as to whether their prediction is supported, based on the results.

Suggested materials

Paper, pencils, measuring tape, sticky tape, ruler, stopwatch.

Prior learning

This task called The Human Machine is a small part of a Science and Technology unit that is integrated with opportunities to apply the relevant knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the Working Mathematically and Measurement strands of the Mathematics K–6 syllabus. Students are engaging in a variety of first-hand experiences in investigating, designing, producing and effectively using technology to extend their understanding of some structures and functions of living things. In this activity they work collaboratively and use their ideas and understanding of questioning, predicting, measuring, recording accurate results and drawing conclusions to design and conduct an investigation. At the conclusion of this activity, students design, produce and present their information to a group in an interesting way. This presentation could be assessed by their peers.

Criteria for assessing learning

Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• identify a question
• design an investigation to test the question
• predict the results of the test
• record the design of the investigation
• make accurate measurements and record the results in a table
• draw a conclusion based on the results.

Work Sample Assessment

Indra

Indra has demonstrated an adequate level of competence in conducting a scientific investigation. A question to be tested has been identified and a fair test has been designed. A prediction has been made but not justified. Data has been collected and recorded using a table but the measurements could be more effectively communicated. Indra has analysed the results and drawn a conclusion based on simple reasoning. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade C standard at the end of Stage 2.

Pat

Pat has demonstrated an adequate level of competence in conducting a scientific investigation. A question to be tested has been identified, but no prediction has been made. Appropriate equipment has been listed and drawn but the investigation is limited as there is only one test and it has not been clearly expressed. Data has been collected and recorded using a table but quantities have not been listed. The results have been analysed and a simple conclusion has been drawn but the reasoning needs to be stronger. This work sample demonstrates characteristics of work typically produced by a student performing at grade D standard at the end of Stage 2.