Year 9 Science: Waves and Electricity Assessment

• Assessment task for Year 9 Science students
• The task is scheduled for either Thursday, April 3rd, or Friday, April 4th

NESA Outcomes Covered

• SC5-WAM-01: Features and applications of different forms of waves
• SC5-WS-05: Selection and use of tools to process and represent data
• SC5-WS-07: Selection of suitable problem-solving strategies and evaluation of proposed solutions
• SC5-WS-08: Communication of scientific arguments with evidence, using scientific language and terminology

Task Details

• The task assesses knowledge and understanding of theory from the Waves and Electricity unit
• Assessment includes the ability to process secondary data

Preparation

• Required materials: pen, pencil, ruler, rubber, calculator
• Preparation involves revising theory and processing skills from Term 1

Waves (Learning Intentions 7-11)

• Includes transverse and longitudinal wave types
• Focuses on wave properties: crest, trough, amplitude, wavelength, frequency, and speed
• Wave equation: v = λf (wave speed = wavelength x frequency)

Sound (Learning Intentions 12-15)

• Covers interpreting pitch and loudness of sound waves
• Includes ear response to sound waves
• Covers the Doppler effect

Light (Learning Intentions 18-20)

• Includes absorption, reflection, refraction, and scattering (colour)
• Focuses on eye response to light
• Includes applications of absorption, reflection, and refraction in everyday life

Electricity (Learning Intentions 1-5)

• Includes series and parallel circuits
• Covers measuring voltage and current
• Circuit diagrams and symbols are included
• Covers Ohm’s Law (V=IR), relating voltage, current, and resistance

Scientific Skills

• Skills include units of measurement
• Includes graphing and interpreting graphs
• Tables (drawing and interpreting tables)
• Rearranging equations
• Rules for drawing scientific diagrams
• The electromagnetic spectrum is excluded in the task

Academic Integrity

• Integrity and honesty are expected
• Breaches include collusion, cheating, and plagiarism
• Expected to act honestly, responsibly, and ethically, following provided guidance

Grade A Criteria

• Applies extensive knowledge of scientific models, theories, and laws
• Uses critical thinking to evaluate trends and draw evidence-based conclusions from data
• Communicates a comprehensive understanding of scientific ideas, using appropriate units and conventions

Grade B Criteria

• Applies thorough knowledge of scientific models, theories, and laws
• Uses critical thinking to explain trends and draw conclusions from data
• Communicates a well-developed understanding of scientific ideas, using appropriate units and conventions

Grade C Criteria

• Demonstrates sound knowledge of scientific models, theories, and laws
• Attempts to use critical thinking to explain trends and draw conclusions from data
• Communicates a sound understanding of scientific ideas

Grade D Criteria

• Demonstrates basic knowledge of scientific models, theories, and laws
• Attempts to use critical thinking to describe trends and draw some conclusions from data
• Communicates a basic scientific understanding

Grade E Criteria

• Demonstrates elementary knowledge of some scientific principles
• Recounts conclusions from data
• Communicates elementary scientific information with guidance