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AQA practicals Physics – thermal insulation (not combined science)

Details
Investigate the effectiveness of different materials as thermal insulators and the factors that may affect the thermal insulation properties of a material.

Techniques:
Use appropriate apparatus to make and record a range of measurements accurately, including length, area, mass, time, volume and temperature.
Use, in a safe manner, appropriate apparatus to measure energy changes/transfers.

Skills:
Use a variety of models such as representational, spatial, descriptive, computational and mathematical to solve problems, make predictions and to develop scientific explanations and understanding of familiar and unfamiliar facts.
Use scientific theories and explanations to develop hypotheses.
Plan experiments or devise procedures to make observations, produce or characterise a substance, test hypotheses, check data or explore phenomena.
Apply a knowledge of a range of techniques, instruments, apparatus, and materials to select those appropriate to the experiment.
Carry out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations.
Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and methods.
Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements and further investigations.
Present observations and other data using appropriate methods.
Carry out and represent mathematical and statistical analysis.
Represent the distribution of results and make estimations of uncertainty.
Interpret observations and other data (presented in verbal, diagrammatic, graphical,
Symbolic or numerical form), including identifying patterns and trends, making inferences and drawing conclusions.
Present reasoned explanations including relating data to hypotheses.
Communicate the scientific rationale for investigations, methods used, findings and reasoned conclusions through written and electronic reports and presentations using verbal, diagrammatic,
Graphical, numerical and symbolic forms.
Recognise the importance of scientific quantities and understand how they are determined.
Use SI units (eg kg, g, mg; km, m, mm; kJ, J) and IUPAC chemical nomenclature unless inappropriate.
Use an appropriate number of significant figures in calculation.
Use an appropriate number of significant figures.
Construct and interpret frequency tables and diagrams, bar charts and histograms.
Plot two variables from experimental or other data.
Calculate areas of triangles and rectangles, surface areas and volumes of cubes.

Typical questions

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