Clarification details
Updated December 2017. This document has been updated in its entirety to address new issues that have arisen from moderation.
The focus of this standard is to first identify and then explain the physics of a chosen context.
The context may be chosen by the teacher or the learner, provided it involves sufficient physics concepts appropriate to Level 7 of the New Zealand Curriculum. The grade awarded depends on the extent of the understanding shown of the physics, not on the clarity and comprehensiveness of the description of the context.
Context
It is not appropriate to choose a context that has been contrived to produce a specific response which could only lead to the demonstration of understanding of a specific physics concept or concepts.
Resources
Learners may be provided with resource material. This material would normally assume that the learner has the necessary knowledge to be able to understand the physics described. It may be appropriate for learners to source and use additional material. Calculations, examples, diagrams or explanations based on a learner’s own measurements and observations may contribute towards evidence of understanding at any level of the standard.
Information from other sources
Referencing of sources is good practice and helps to ensure authenticity, but is not a basis for assessment judgements. Where information has been used from other sources, there should be clear evidence that this information has been processed and understood. Copying or closely paraphrasing material does not contribute towards evidence of understanding.
Interpretation of evidence
For Achieved, learners should be identifying and describing the physics concepts and terms relevant to the context.
For Merit, learners should be identifying, describing and explaining how and why the physics concepts and terms are relevant to the context.
For Excellence, learners should be identifying, describing, explaining and analysing how and why the physics concepts and terms are relevant to the context. This may involve elaborating, justifying, relating, and evaluating to integrate the relevant physics. A thorough coverage of appropriate concepts, a clearly demonstrated understanding of those concepts, and the link between the concepts and the context is required.