PICTON HIGH SCHOOL
STAGE 6 PHYSICS
THE WORLD COMMUNICATES
Due Date: Week 9 Term 1 2015
Mark:
Assessment Name: Communication Research
Task
Weighting: 20%
/35
SYLLABUS OUTCOMES TO BE ASSESSED:
P3. assesses the impact of particular technological advances on understanding in physics
P4. describes applications of physics which affect society or the environment
P5. describes the scientific principles employed in particular areas of research in physics
P7. describes the effects of energy transfers and energy transformations
P8. explains wave motions in terms of energy sources and the oscillations produced
P13. identifies appropriate terminology and reporting styles to communicate information and
understanding in physics
DIRECTIVES TO BE ASSESSED:
Assess, Describe, Explain
TEXT TYPE:
Report, Oral Presentation
TASK DESCRIPTION:
a) To research information from a variety of sources
b) Compile information in a logical order
c) Discuss scientific principles underlying communication technology and their application
to today’s world
d) Explain the energy transformations involved in electronic communications
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
You will be assessed on your ability to:
Gather and process information
Present information from a variety of sources
Use correct scientific terminology in an appropriately structured essay
Coherently convey information
Correctly reference source materials
Assessment Policy This is only a brief outline, you must check your assessment booklet for further
details.
Assessment tasks must be submitted on the due date. A zero mark will be awarded for work submitted
late. If you know that you will be absent on the day of an assessment task, and have a valid reason, eg.
compulsory work placement, representative sport, you must advise your teacher, IN WRITING, before
the task is due. If the absence is unexpected due to illness, a doctor’s certificate will be required. Other
absences due to exceptional circumstances may be deemed acceptable by the principal. Where an
absence is considered justified, your teacher, in consultation with the Head Teacher, may decide
a) to let you do the task at the first opportunity when you return or
b) to give you an alternative task or
c) to give you an estimate based on your performance in similar tasks.
* Students who are absent due to participation in school representational activities must follow the
above procedures or risk a zero mark.
1
Tasks:
Choose one communication technology from the following list:
 Global Positioning System
 CD technology
 The internet (digital process)
 DVD technology
and research the physics concepts and processes involved in that technology.
This research task consists of three components; each is assessable.
Your final submission in Week 9 will consist of the Concept Map from Component A, your
report as outlined in Component B and the text of your presentation for Component C.
Presentations will be delivered in Week 10, however marks will be deducted if your
presentation deviates significantly from the transcript submitted in Week 9.
Component A:
Concept Map
Construct a concept map which gives an overview of your project. This will assist you in
planning your research. Choose at least 12 key words and link them in ways to show your
understanding. A Concept Map is like a mind map (flowchart) that links key ideas.
Component B:
Essay/Report
For your chosen technology discuss the CONCEPTS and PRINCIPLES involved in the technology.
Your answer needs to address the –
 the wave principles involved in the communication
 the energy transformations involved in communication
 applications of the technology in today’s world
in an essay of about 1200 words (diagrams separate).
Hints:
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You are required to apply correct, concise English and use correct Physics terminology
Your essay should be about 1200 words in length
Feel free to use diagrams to help the presentation and explanations.
Key words should be defined
References should be cited using Harvard referencing and include a list of works cited.
Component C:
Oral Presentation:
You are required to give a three minute presentation summarising your research to your
classmates. Marks will be allocated for the knowledge of content, method of delivery and
interest level of your presentation. The use of visual media to supplement your presentation is
encouraged but must fit within your allocated time.
2
Marking Criteria – Component A - CONCEPT MAP
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Concept flowchart is neat and well formatted
Presents an effective and useful summary on one page
Twelve key words are selected and linked logically
Demonstrates creativity
Concept flowchart is neat
Presents a summary on one page
Most key words are linked logically
Concept flowchart is disorganized
Lacks visual appeal
Less that 12 words used
Many words used are not key ideas
Incomplete coverage
Marking Criteria – Component B – REPORT
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Mark Range
4-5
3
0-2
Mark Range
Demonstrates thorough understanding of the task
Essay is concise and adheres to about 1200 words
Conveys a good understanding of the workings of the device or medium
Essay is well structured
Physics terminology is used extensively and correctly
Key terms are used and defined
Present information in an appropriate and informative way
Ideas and information are linked to the theme of the dot point
Creates diagram(s) that are labeled and relevant to the discussions
Evidence of citations as required
Provides a list of works cited including several references from various sources
Reference list is correctly formatted
Demonstrates some understanding of the task
Essay adheres to about 1200 words
The workings of the device or medium is reasonably covered
Essay structure is lacking
Key terms used but not always defined
Shows some ability to present information in an appropriate form
Present information appropriately
Some ideas and information are linked to the theme of the dot point
Diagram(s) are used and are linked to the discussion, in part
References not well citated
Provides a reference list from one type of source only
Reference list incorrectly formatted
The task is misunderstood
Essay is too brief (or rambles on too long)
The workings of the device is not made clear
Essay structure is lacking
Key terms are not used
Essay lacks purpose and direction
Some ideas and information are linked to the theme of the dot point
Diagram(s) not used; or used only as fills
Citations not used
No reference list
3
17-20
11-16
0-10
Marking Criteria – Component C – ORAL PRESENTATION
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Presentation adheres to time limit
Presentation is confident with good eye contact
Presentation is well structured
A high degree of planning is evident with key points well covered
Quality aids are used to enhance presentation eg. Powerpoint; cue cards; OHP
Presentation falls short or is too long
Lack of confidence in presentation and avoids audience
Aspects of presentation are disjointed
Covers main points adequately
The presentation is satisfactory
Presentation is too brief
Lack of confidence
Presentation is disjointed or plagiarized
Main points not covered or poorly communicated
The presentation lacks appeal
4
Mark Range
8-10
5-7
0-4