Problem solving / making a conclusion

Problem solving is identified as a working scientifically skill in the year 11 syllabus. The goal is for you think critically and creatively to show that you understand scientific principles. You are expected to explain and predict cause and effect relationships.

To solve problems you should be able to:

• interpret scientific and media texts
• evaluate processes, claims and conclusions
• consider the quality of the available evidence.

Consider the following scenarios:

While collecting light intensity data, students collected all their samples from the same spot on the trail.

How might this data be flawed?

How could this problem be solved? 

One website discusses where to buy privet for your garden and how best to grow it.

How might this data be flawed?

How could this problem be solved?

Students doing the fieldwork do not want to get soil on their hands, so they all copy the results from one student.

How might this data be flawed?

How could this problem be solved?

It had been raining for two weeks leading up to the day of the fieldwork.

How might this impact data?

How could this problem be solved?

When comparing your data back at the lab, you notice that one of your readings is very different to the rest of the class.

How might this impact your conclusions?

How could this problem be solved?