How to Ace your Year 10 Science Research Investigation

Research assignment in Year 10 Science test what you know, they assess how well you can research, evaluate evidence, and communicate scientici ideas clearly. Strong research skills now will make senior subjects SO much easier.

ONE:

Choose a Focused, Manageable Question

The most common mistake make when choosing a topic that is too broad. Instead of picking “climate change”, refine it to  “how does climate change casue ocean acidification” and then refine again to “How does coean acidification affect coral reef ecosystems?”

Your question needs to have an active word in there (like affect) to demonstrate you are exploring cause and effect. You need to make sure the question can be answered with scientific evidence and that you can find 3-5 reliable sources before committing.

If you question is too wide, your analysis will stay surface level.

TWO:

Use Reliable Scientific Sources

Quality starts to matter more and more in Year 10 and beyond.

NOTE:

Always check who wrote the article, when it was published, cross-check key information in more than one course.

THREE:

Don’t just copy!

Your teachers are not interested in definitions that are copy and pasted from sources. You need to be able to explain what you are reading in your sources in your own words. Often if you try and insert random data/information into your report without understanding the context or terminology, you are likely saying something you don’t mean to say.

You need to be able to use scientific vocabulary accurately and link cause and effect clearly.

E.g. “Increased carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid, which lowers pH and affect calcium carbonate formation in marine organisms.”

Before handing in your final assignment, use this list as a final checklist. Teachers are looking for:

• Clear scientific explanations
• Accurate terminology
• Logical structure
• Evidence-based claims
• Independent thinking

Happy Reporting!