PHYSICS LAB MARKING SCHEME

Lab #1 Skill: Manipulation / Measurement

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT
The correct apparatus was collected at the start of the experiment 1
Correct set up of the apparatus 1
The stone was washed and dried before use 1
Balance was placed on a flat surface 1
Zero error checked in balance before use 1
Consistency in decimal place when using balance 1
All readings of the volume were taken at the bottom of the meniscus 1
The measuring cylinder was placed on a flat surface 1
Meniscus was read at eye level 1
Bottom part of the meniscus read accurately 1
TOTAL 10

Lab #2 Skill: Manipulation / Measurement

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT
Apparatus was set up correctly 1
The lamina was marked in 3 appropriate places 1
The retort stand was placed on a flat surface 1
The experimenter was standing directly in front of apparatus with lamina at 1
eye level
It was ensured that the plumbline came to rest before the lamina was marked 3
in all instances (3 instances, one mark per instance)
All three lines intersected and the correct centre of gravity was found 1
TOTAL 8

Lab #3 Skill: Analysis / Interpretation

CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
Correct gradient formula 1
Accurate gradient calculation 1
Units of gradient 1
A was found, using A= 1/G 1
One valid source of error is stated 1
One valid precaution is stated 1
Identify relationships & patterns within graph 1
Compare calculated value with theoretical value 1
CONCLUSION
- Clear, concise statement to summarize the overall findings 1
- relate this statement to the aim 1
TOTAL 10
 Lab #4 Skill: Analysis / Interpretation
CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
tavg was found correctly 1
A sample calculation of T was done 1
Gradient was accurately found 1
Gradient was equated to 2 / g 1
g was found 1
Correct units for g 1
A valid precaution was stated 1
The calculated g was compared to its theoretical value 1
Identify relationship between T squared and Length 1
State one valid improvement 1
TOTAL 10

Lab #4 Skill: Observation / Recording / Reporting

CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
OBSERVATION
- Accurate observations 1
- Repetition of activity to reduce errors 1
RECORDING
TABLE
- Use of correct decimal place 1
- Heading with units 1
GRAPH
- Appropriate title given, placed above or below page 1
- Axes labelled with quantity/units 1
- Suitable scale 1
- Good use of graph (> ¾ graph page) 1
- Line of best fit 1
Used acceptable language/expression 1
TOTAL 10
Lab #5 Skill: Observation / Recording / Reporting
CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
OBSERVATION
- Relevant observation 1
- Repetition of activity to reduce errors 1
RECORDING
TABLE
- Correct heading and units 1
- use of 2 dp 1
- correct calculation of tavg 1
- good range of readings for Ep and Ek 2
A valid source of error was stated 1
REPORTING
Used appropriate format of presentation 1
Use of acceptable grammar and expression 1
TOTAL 10

Lab #6 Skill: Analysis / Interpretation

CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
A sample calculation of clockwise moment was done 1
Gradient was accurately found 1
Gradient was equated to weight 1
Correct unit for gradient 1
Accurate mass calculation was found 1
The principle of moments was stated correctly 1
Identify a valid relationship between clockwise moment and distance x 1
A valid modification to experiment 1
TOTAL 8

Lab #7 Skill: Planning and Designing

CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
AIM- appropriate 1
DIAGRAM
- Well-labeled 1
METHOD
- Logical 1
- Concise 1
VARIABLES
- Controlled, Manipulated, Responding (1 mk for each criteria) 3
Some treatment of results must be shown 1
One valid precaution 1
One valid source of error 1
TOTAL 10
Lab #8 Skill: Planning and Designing
CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
AIM- appropriate 1
METHOD
- Appropriate 1
- Logical 1
- Concise 1
VARIABLES
- Controlled, Manipulated, Responding (1 mk for each criteria) 3
One valid precaution 1
One valid source of error 1
Proper conclusion 1
TOTAL 10

Lab #9 Skills: Planning and Designing

CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
DIAGRAM
- Well-labeled 1
METHOD
- Appropriate 1
- Logical 1
- Concise 1
VARIABLES
- Controlled, Manipulated, Responding (1 mk for each criteria) 3
One valid precaution or source of error 1
Expected results were discussed 1
Proper conclusion stated 1
TOTAL 10

Lab #10 Observation / Recording / Reporting

CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
OBSERVATION
Accurate observations 1
Accurate current calculations 1
Define a series circuit 1
Explain how you determine the current in the circuit 1
Explain how current flows in a series circuit 1
Discuss your observations when the bulbs were removed 1
A valid source of error was stated 1
A valid precaution was stated 1
Conclusion- Clear concise statement 1
Use of appropriate grammar and expression 1
TOTAL 10

Lab # 11 Skill: Analysis / Interpretation

CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
Correct use of significant figures as readings in table 1
Gradient was accurately found 1
Gradient was equated to refractive index, n 1
A valid precaution was stated 1
Refraction was correctly defined 1
Any inaccuracies in the graph were accounted for 1
Calculated n value was compared to theoretical value 1
Identify relationship between I and r 1
A valid source of error was stated 1
A valid improvement to reduce error 1
TOTAL 10
Lab #12 Skill: Manipulation / Measurement
CRITERIA FOR ASESSMENT
The appropriate apparatus was collected 1
Circuit was left open during the set up 1
The rheostat was used to manipulate the voltage supply 1
Ammeter was connected in series 1
Multimeter was zeroed before results were taken 1
Equipment were connected with correct polarities 1
Instrument were read at eye level 1
Values were correct to 2 dp 1
TOTAL 8

Lab # 13 SKILL: Observation / Recording / Reporting

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT
OBSERVATIONS
- Make accurate observation 1
TABLE
-Neatly tabulated 1
-Readings labelled with quantity 1
GRAPHS
-Appropriate title given placed above or below graph 1
-Axes labelled with Quantity 1
-Graph occupies more than half the page 1
-Scale is accurately stated 1
-Line of best fit 1
-Points indicated by circled dot or cross 1
REPORTING
-Use acceptable language/ expression 1
Total 10

Lab # 14 Skill: Analysis/ Interpretation

CRITERIA FOR ASSESSMENT
A valid precaution was stated 1
A valid source of error was stated 1
The reason for the distance between the pins was explained 1
Non- intersection of the rays at a point was explained 1
The relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of 1
reflection was identified
Total 5