Criterion A: Knowing and Understanding

Assessments (Quizzes and Tests)

Achievem
ent level

12

34

56

78

Level descriptor
The student is able to

I can

The student does not reach a

standard identified by any of the
descriptors below.

You did not reach a standard

described by any of the
descriptors below.

i. recall scientific knowledge

ii. apply scientific knowledge and
understanding to suggest solutions
to problems set in familiar
situations
iii. apply information to make
judgments.

i. recognize scientific knowledge,

i. state scientific knowledge

ii. apply scientific knowledge and
understanding to solve problems
set in familiar situations
iii. apply information to make
scientifically supported
judgments.

i. give a specific answer without

explanation.

i. outline scientific knowledge

ii. apply scientific knowledge and
understanding to solve problems
set in familiar situations and
suggest solutions to problems set
in unfamiliar situations
iii. interpret information to make
scientifically supported
judgments.

i. briefly explain the scientific

knowledge.

i. describe scientific knowledge

ii. apply scientific knowledge and
understanding to solve problems
set in familiar and unfamiliar
situations
iii. analyse information to make
scientifically supported
judgments.

ii. use scientific knowledge in a

familiar situation and put forward
a way to solve the problem.
iii. draw a sensible conclusion
from the information.

ii. use scientific knowledge to

obtain an answer to a problem in
a familiar situation.
iii. draw a sensible conclusion with
a scientific explanation.

ii. use scientific knowledge to

obtain an answer to a problem in
a familiar situation and put
forward a way to solve an
unfamiliar problem.
iii. use trends in scientific
knowledge

i. explain in detail the scientific

knowledge.
ii. use scientific knowledge to
obtain an answer to a problem in
a familiar and unfamiliar situation
and put forward a way to solve
both problems.
iii. break down scientific

knowledge to a draw a sensible

conclusion to a problem.

Command Terms:
Analyse

Break down in order to bring out the important elements or structure.

(To identify parts and relationships, and to interpret information to reach
conclusions.)

Apply

Use knowledge and understanding in response to a given situation or

real circumstances. Use an idea, equation, principle, theory or law in
relation to a given problem or issue.

Describe

Give a detailed account or picture of a situation, event, pattern or

process.

Familiar
Situation

Refers to a problem or situation in which the context or the application

has been seen before by the student.

Interpret

Use knowledge and understanding to recognize trends and draw

conclusions from given information.

Judgeme
nt

The ability to make considered decisions or come to sensible

conclusions.

Outline

Give a brief account.

Recall

Remember or recognize from prior learning experiences.

Situation

A set of circumstances in which one finds oneself; a state of affairs.

Solution

A means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation.

Solve

Obtain the answer(s) using appropriate methods.

State

Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or

calculation.

Suggest

Put forward for consideration.

Unfamilia Refers to a problem or situation in which the context or the application is

r
Situation

modified so that it is considered unfamiliar for the student.

Maximum: 8
At the end of year 3, students should be able to:
describe scientific knowledge
apply scientific knowledge and understanding to solve problems
set in familiar and unfamiliar situations
analyse information to make scientifically supported judgments.