Science School Certificate 2010

Preparation guide

The Science Exam

• The Science SC consists of 3 parts.

• Section 1: 60 marks Part A: 50 Multiple Choice questions Part B: 10 one word response questions• Section 2 : 40 marks

Short and long response questions

Time: 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading

Examples of Multiple Choice

• 1 What is the most appropriate piece of equipment to accurately measure 85 mL of water?

(A) 10 mL measuring cylinder (B) 100 mL measuring cylinder (C) 100 mL beaker (D) 250 mL beaker

Six steps are involved in applying a scientific process to a problem. In the box below, each step has been given a number, but the steps are not in the correct sequence.

1 Gather experimental results 2 Draw a conclusion 3 Make a hypothesis 4 Compare experimental results with the hypothesis 5 Ask a question 6 Design and carry out an experiment

What is the correct sequence of steps? (A) 1, 3, 6, 5, 4, 2 (B) 5, 3, 6, 1, 4, 2 (C) 5, 6, 3, 1, 2, 4 (D) 3, 5, 1, 6, 4, 2

• Name the element that is present in both hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid.

• What is the name given to the current scientific theory to explain how the universe began?

• Within Earth, magma is heated causing it to rise. It then cools and sinks. What is the name given for this type of movement of magma?

• What is the name of the group of substances that are used to determine if a solution is basic or acidic?

• What name do we give to any type of disease that can be passed from one person to another person?

• Name a scientific theory and explain how a specific piece of evidence supports this theory. (3 marks)

• Examples• Theory of Gravity• Theory of Evolution• Theory of Plate Tecktonics• Atomic Particle Theory • Big Bang

• Some alternative energy sources are nuclear energy, wind energy and solar energy. Evaluate the environmental impacts of replacing fossil fuels with alternative energy sources. (7 marks)

• Plan answer• Define terms (fossil fuels plus examples)• Evaluate (positives and negative) of both fossil fuels

and alternate sources with specific examples • Final statement

Where to start?

1. Review your notes for yr 9 and 102. Use the KISS resources3. Work through past papers 4. Use the BOS site5. Booklets of revision (from your Science Teacher)6. Use the 8 lesson Revision program designed by

you teacher (Starts Monday)

KISS

• KISS is a complete summary of all content for yr 9 and 10

• Get a copy downloaded from the server. (Shared, Janison) See your Science Teacher

BOSAn excellent site to practise questions

• http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au

SKILLS

• Graphing (Reading and drawing)Pie charts, Bar graphs, Line graphs (curve and line of

best fit)

• Flow Charts– Placing a process into a flow chart

• Spreadsheets and data bases– When to use a spreadsheet or a data base

• Experimental design– Designing an experiment that is valid and reliable– Control, variables, dependent and independent, – Validity, reliability

Prescribed Focus AreasThe Big Mark Questions

• You will be asked to answer questions based on the Prescribed focus areas.

• the history of science• the nature and practice of science• applications and uses of science• implications of science for society and the

environment• current issues, research and development.

How to prepare for the big markers?

• Check all past SC papers – look at the 7 or 8 mark questions.

• Discuss in a group - possible answers• Look at model answers : ‘top mark’ answers

compared to ‘poorly answered’ responses

Practise!

• Practise • Practise• And………• MORE PRACTISE