Data

=Skill Area O: Obtaining Data or Evidence=

When students obtain data or evidence in a scientific investigation, they should expect to
 * use a wide range of equipment and materials appropriately;
 * manage their working environment to ensure the safety of themselves and others;
 * make observations and measurements to a degree of precision appropriate to the context;
 * make sufficient observations and measurements to reduce error and obtain reliable evidence;
 * judge the level of uncertainty in observations and measurements;
 * represent and communicate qualitative and quantitative data using diagrams, tables, charts, and graphs.


 * A Basic Data Section will**
 * O3a collect some evidence using a simple and safe procedure
 * O3b collect appropriate evidence which is adequate for the activity
 * O3c record the evidence


 * A Good Data Section will**
 * O4a collect sufficient systematic and accurate evidence and repeat or check when appropriate
 * O4b record clearly and accurately the evidence collected


 * An Excellent Data Section will**
 * O5a use a procedure with precision and skill to obtain data
 * O5b report the instrumental precision possible with the procedure

I will use the codes above to let you know what skills you have demonstrated. Seeing these codes is a good thing! If any of the codes are missing from a given level, the data section does not yet meet the standards for that level. I will try to give you some guidance on reaching the next step; you are always free to try to move two levels at once, but this is clearly a more challenging undertaking. For the first marking period, I am happy to accept resubmitted reports with new data sections added as an addendum to the original.
 * Assessment and Grades**