Chemistry Practical Assessments (2 Viewers)

[lach792]

Hi Guys,

I've been looking at the Year 12 assessment schedule and at my school the prac is worth 40% of internal marks. This year for chemistry, because our school was shut down, our practical assessment task was just at home and we had 2 weeks to do it, so I'm not too familiar with how it works. Like I've done them in year 6-10 when we had no idea what the task was or anything, but I assume HSC chemistry is a bit different?

I was wondering how can you prepare for this sort of thing? Can you normally predict what sort of prac it is going to be and then study the method and so on or do you just go in with no idea at all?

Thanks a lot

 

[jazz519]

Usually most schools tell you what practical it will be or from what module. Practicals are outlined in the HSC syllabus so you basically know what type of prac it could be even if they only told you the module

For these prac exams, the method is not really the main thing you need to worry about. This will be either given or you can just memorise one. Questions if they are there on the method are usually behind why you did certain things, for example choice of equipment or certain preparation that an equipment needs before being used like washing it with some compound. You will also most likely be asked questions on safety concerns in the experiment and precautions or responses needed for them to reduce the risk.

The main aspect of marks comes in the analysis. This includes marks on results and how you recorded them so things like recording results in a table in an appropriate way. Also, there may be some form of calculation as a lot of the pracs have some basis on trying to find a certain value. Then the most important part is the discussion questions. These will range from things like comment on the reliability, validity and accuracy of the experiment, as well as questions on providing ways to improve those areas. You may be asked to write a conclusion as well.

 

[lach792]

Usually most schools tell you what practical it will be or from what module. Practicals are outlined in the HSC syllabus so you basically know what type of prac it could be even if they only told you the module

For these prac exams, the method is not really the main thing you need to worry about. This will be either given or you can just memorise one. Questions if they are there on the method are usually behind why you did certain things, for example choice of equipment or certain preparation that an equipment needs before being used like washing it with some compound. You will also most likely be asked questions on safety concerns in the experiment and precautions or responses needed for them to reduce the risk.

The main aspect of marks comes in the analysis. This includes marks on results and how you recorded them so things like recording results in a table in an appropriate way. Also, there may be some form of calculation as a lot of the pracs have some basis on trying to find a certain value. Then the most important part is the discussion questions. These will range from things like comment on the reliability, validity and accuracy of the experiment, as well as questions on providing ways to improve those areas. You may be asked to write a conclusion as well.

great, thanks a lot!