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Investigating Science

General

Instructions

Total marks:

100

• Reading time – 5 minutes

• Working time – 3 hours

• Write using black pen

• Draw diagrams using pencil

• NESA approved calculators may be used

Section I – 20 marks (pages 3–11)

• Attempt Questions 1–20

• Allow about 35 minutes for this section Section II – 80 marks (pages 12–25)

• Attempt Questions 21–30

• Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section

3

Section I

20 marks

Attempt Questions 1–20

Allow about 35 minutes for this section

Use the multiple-choice answer sheet for Questions 1–20.

1 Scientists are always required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when

conducting an experiment in a laboratory. Which of the following correctly identifies some of the personal protective equipment

commonly used in laboratories?

A. Safety googles, tight fitting shoes, disposable gloves, lab coat or apron

B. Safety googles, enclosed-toe safety shoes, woolen gloves, lab coat or apron

C. Safety googles, enclosed-toe safety shoes, disposable gloves, light coloured shirt

D. Safety googles, enclosed-toe safety shoes, disposable gloves, lab coat or apron

2 In 1941, Percy LeBaron Spencer was testing a magnetron when he noticed that the

chocolate bar in his pocket had melted. Fascinated by this discovery, Spencer and his

colleagues began to test other foods, including popcorn kernels, and noticed that they all

popped. This led to invent the microwave oven as a quick and convenient way to heat

food.

What is the scientific basis for the microwave oven that Percy Spencer built?

A. The microwaves cause water molecules in the food to vibrate causing friction and

generating

heat.

B. The microwaves cause the vessel inside the microwave to heat up, generating heat via

conduction to cook food.

C. The microwaves generate high power beta particles to heat up food.

D. The microwaves heat up the air inside the oven which cooks food uses convection currents.

4

3 The following graph shows the relationship between boiling point and number of

carbon atoms in alkanes.

How are the variables related?

A. As the number of carbon atoms increases, boiling point of alkanes decreases

B. As the number of carbon atoms increases, boiling point of alkanes increases

C. As the number of carbon atoms decreases, boiling point of alkane decreases

D. As the number of carbon atoms decreases, boiling point of alkane increases

4 Which of the following provides a correct definition of qualitative data?

A. Data that can be expressed as numbers

B. Data that cannot be expressed as numbers

C. Data that can be measured

D. Data that cannot be measured

5 A hypothesis is referred to as an educated guess. Hypothesis leads to questions that can

be tested experimentally.

Which of the following is correct for a proper hypothesis?

A. Either independent or dependent variable must be mentioned and must be related.

B. Either independent or dependent variable must be mentioned and must NOT be related.

C. Both independent and dependent variables must be mentioned and must be related.

D. Both independent and dependent variables must be mentioned and must NOT be related.

Bo

ilin

g p

oin

ts

Number of Carbon Atoms

5

6 An experiment was performed to investigate if increasing the temperature will affect the

solubility of sugar in water. The following data was collected.

Which row of the table correctly identifies the independent variable, the dependent variable, one

controlled variable for this experiment?

A.

B.

C.

D.

7 Christian Doppler postulated the Doppler effect while studying movement of binary

stars. Doppler effect is observed when an ambulance or a police car passes us on the

road.

Which of the following statements is correct for an observer standing on the side of the

road listening to the ambulance siren?

A. The pitch of the ambulance siren decreases for the observer as the ambulance

approaches him.

B. The pitch of the ambulance siren increases for the observer as it travels away

from him

C. The pitch of the ambulance siren increases for the observer as it approaches

him

D. The pitch of the ambulance siren does not change for the observer as it

approaches him

.

Independent variable Dependent

variable

Controlled

variable

Temperature of water Amount of water Amount of sugar

dissolved

Amount of water Temperature of

water

Amount of sugar

dissolved

Amount of water Amount of sugar

dissolved

Temperature of water

Temperature of water Amount of sugar

dissolved

Amount of water

6

8 Companies ensure that their brands are associated with positive emotions and successful

public figures. Their advertising campaigns use emotive language and imagery to

connect to general public to make them feel good and associate with the feeling of

success. Companies sway public into making decisions by connecting their brands with

well trusted and well-regarded community members. Public is influenced in choosing a

product because of perceived perception.

What is the above phenomenon defined as?

A. Mozart Effect

B. Hawthorne Effect

C. Nimbus Effect

D. Halo effect

9 Organ transplantation is the process of removing organs from a donor and transplanting

them into someone who is very ill or dying from an organ failure. Organ donation saves

lives. The Australian Medical community has guidelines to ensure that all organ

transplantations are fair and equitable.

Which of the following statements is NOT a criterion used for determining who receives

the next transplant?

A. Urgency of the transplant

B. Time required for the transplant to be made available to the patient

C. Social status of the patient

D. Matching the organs cells and tissues of the donor with the recipient

10 Which of the following provides the correct definition of sampling in Biology?

A. Sampling is a method used for collecting data by gathering a fixed number of

observations from a larger population.

B. Sampling is a method used for collecting data by gathering indefinite number of

observations from a larger population.

C. Sampling is a method used for tasting samples of food from a larger population.

D. Sampling is a method used for collecting data by conducting experiments on a large

population.

7

11 How does the modern surgical procedure improve wellbeing of the patients?

A. By increasing post-operative hospitalisation.

B. By shortening post-operative hospitalisation.

C. By providing liposuction in the post-operative hospitalisation.

D. By sending the patient home immediately after the surgery.

12 To correctly read volume of a liquid using a measuring cylinder, the surface of

the center of the meniscus must be read at eye level. Not following this

instruction will always result in an inaccurate reading.

What type of error is introduced by incorrect reading of volume from a measuring

cylinder?

A. Gross error

B. Systematic error

C. Random error

D. Observational error

8

13 A scientific research conducted to study diet in modern society concluded that

if an individual eats a high carbohydrate diet their blood sugar level quickly

reaches a peak before dropping rapidly. While if an individual eats a high

protein diet their blood sugar levels will rise more slowly and drop more slowly

and the peak and drop will not be as high as for an individual on carbohydrate

diet.

Which of the following graphs correctly depicts the results for the above research?

High Carbohydrate Meal

--------High Protein Meal

A

B

C

D

Time(minutes)

Blo

od

Su

gar

Lev

els

(mg

/dL

)

Time(minutes)

Blo

od

Su

gar

Lev

els

(mg

/dL

)

Time(minutes)

Blo

od

Su

gar

Lev

els

(mg

/dL

)

Time(minutes)

Blo

od

Su

gar

Lev

els

(mg

/dL

)

9

14 In academic journals, the articles submitted are reviewed by scholarly peers.

The scientists who peer review are not paid. Process of peer review removes

substandard and poor science from reaching publication.

Which of the following is a protocol binding peer review process in Science?

A. Scientist’s ideas and work is judged by another scientist who is not an expert in

the same field

B. Scientist’s ideas and work is judged by another scientist who is an expert in the

theoretical biology field

C. Scientist’s ideas and work is judged by another scientist who is an expert in the

same field

D. Scientist’s ideas and work is judged by another scientist who is the Dean of a

University.

15 Biotechnology is an area of group of technologies based on the application of

biological processes. It utilises biological systems, living organisms or parts to

develop or create products.

Why are scientists working in biotechnology field asked to adhere to strict codes of

conduct?

A. The codes of conduct outlines guidelines and principles for inappropriate and

expected standards for ethical conduct for the scientists.

B. The codes of Conduct outlines guidelines and principles for appropriate and

expected standards for scientific methodology for the scientists.

C. The codes of Conduct outlines guidelines and principles to catch unethical

conduct of the scientists.

D. The codes of Conduct outlines guidelines and principles for appropriate and

expected standards for ethical conduct for the scientists.

16 Which of the following statements provide a reason how large corporations and

governments influence the direction of scientific research?

A. Large corporations and governments provide guidelines for scientific studies

B. Large corporations and governments provide laboratories for scientific studies

C. Large corporations and governments provide funding for scientific studies

D. Large corporations and governments provide specimen for scientific studies

10

17 Fake scientific journals impact the public perception of science. Significant

number of these scientific articles are fraudulent or plagiarised which damages

the reputation of science.

Which of the following statements outlines the reason for these predatory

publishers to be successful?

A. Young scientists seek to publish their research for career progression

B. Young scientists are not allowed to publish their research in scientific journals

C. Young scientists are required to be published on Internet

D. Young scientists are not required to adhere to ethical standards

18 Science and technology work together as a continuous cycle to improve

development and growth of human society. Technology can improve or limit a

scientific investigation.

Which of the following statements correctly outlines ONE limitation in a scientific

investigation because of technology?

A. Technology used to collect data is accurate and valid for the research

B. Technology used to collect data is safe to use for the experiment

C. Technology used to collect data is not calibrated for the experiment

D. Technology used to collect data is appropriately chosen for a research

19 Linear Hadron Collider is the world’s largest and most powerful particle collider in the

world. The existence of Higgs boson sub-particle was discovered using the Linear

Hadron Collider.

Which of the following statements correctly shows the impact of Linear Hadron Collider

on scientific understanding?

A. The construction of the Linear Hadron Collider is driving the discovery of sub-

atomic particles.

B. The development in science lead to the construction of the Linear Hadron Collider

C. The development of the Liner Hadron Collider and development in science have a

symbiotic relationship as one could not have been possible without the other

D. The purpose for construction of the Linear Hadron Collider was to predict the

Standard Model

11

20 Some of the native plants are used by Indigenous Australian people as

traditional medicines. They boil, drink or inhale the steam of certain plants to

cure illness and diseases.

Which of the following statement provides a correct explanation of the term

bioharvesting.

A. The activity involved in collecting living organisms from the natural environment.

B. The activity involved in collecting dead organisms from the natural environment.

C. The activity involved in collecting abiotic samples from the natural environment.

D. The activity involved in preparing medicine from the natural environment.

12

Investigating Science

Section II

Answer Booklet

80 marks Attempt Questions 21–30 Allow about 2 hours and 25 minutes for this section

Instructions • Answer the questions in the spaces provided. These spaces

provide guidance for the expected length of response.

• Extra writing booklet is available.

If you use any extra booklet, clearly indicate your student number

and which question you are answering.

Please turn over

13

Question 21 (10 marks)

Warren and Marshall were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine in 2005

for their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and

peptic ulcer disease.

(a) What was thought to be the cause of peptic ulcers before Warren and Marshall

discovered the bacterium Helicobacter pylori?

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(b) What led to the discovery of bacterium Helicobacter pylori by Warren and

Marshall?

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(c) Describe the work done by Warren and Marshall which proved that the

Bacterium Helicobacter pylori was the cause of peptic ulcer.

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Question 21 continues on the next page

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Question 21 (continued)

(d) Explain why Marshall decided to swallow a live culture of H pylori to prove the

cause of peptic ulcer.

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End of Question 21

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(a) The scientific method is a process of experimentation that is undertaken to answer or

explain questions.

What are the steps involved in a scientific method?

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(b) How is the integrity of a scientific investigation evaluated?

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(c) Explain why risk assessments are a vital part of any scientific investigation.

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End of Question 22

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(a) Define conflicts of interest in scientific research?

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(b) Using an example, provide an analysis how conflicts of interest can result in

scientific evidence being suppressed, interpreted or misrepresented.

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End of Question 23

17


(a) Discuss the increasing awareness of the value of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander People’s knowledge and understanding uses of plants for modern

medicine.

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End of Question 24

18


Astrology seems like science. It uses scientific knowledge of celestial objects and

star charts to predict the future and personality traits. Each prediction and

personality trait seems to depend on the movement of planets and stars

Connor is taking his upcoming HSC examinations quite lightly as he believes that

he will be very successful this year. He has shared with you that his astrology

reading has indicated that the planets are aligning in his favour during the latter

half of the year when he will be sitting for his HSC examination.

You check the scientific facts and find out that some planets in the Solar System are

indeed aligning themselves during the second half of the year.

Using the above example, discuss how scientific language and processes can be

manipulated by pseudo-science to sway public opinion.

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End of Question 25

19


Past events in history have impacted on the public image of science.

(a) Identify one such event in history that has negatively or positively impacted

on the public image of science.

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(b) Use the identified example to discuss the implications of this event on the

public image of Science.

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End of Question 26

20


NASA uses billions of dollars for Space Exploration programs every year.

Some of NASA’s missions are very successful and others not so successful.

Evaluate the cost involved in space exploration and it’s benefit on society.

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End of Question 27

21


Angelo investigated the effect of different concentrations of Chemical XYZ on

the growth of his tomato plants. Angelo knew that application of Chemical XYZ

is beneficial for the growth of a tomato plant but did not know what concentration

of Chemical XYZ could be used to successfully grow his tomato plant.

Angelo applied the various concentrations Chemical XYZ to his plants for 30 days and

recoded the height and general health of the plant.

The data collected is tabulated below.

Concentration of Chemical XYZ (%) Height of the Tomato Plant (cm)

0 15

5 16

10 17

15 18

20 10

25 7

30 6

(a) What was Angelo’s hypothesis for this investigation?

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(b) Plot a graph on the grid provided below for Angelo’s experiment.

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(c) What was Angelo’s conclusion from the above graph?

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(d) Analyse Angelo’s experiment in terms of validity, reliability and accuracy.

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End of Question 28

24


Your local grocery store has a new bread on shelf that has the following claim.

Organic whole meal bread made with Australian wheat and free of any

preservatives, chemicals and preservatives.

You notice that the cost of the bread is half the price of a normal white bread on the

shelf.

Discuss how the information provided by the bread company can be misinterpreted

by the consumer when comparing the claims with the information supported by

scientific evidence.

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End of Question 29

25


Using one example from history of science, assess the impact that developments in

scientific theories, laws and models have had on the development of new

technologies

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End of paper

1

PEM 2019 TRIAL HSC Investigating Science

Marking Guidelines

Section I

Multiple-choice Answer Key

Question Answer

1 D

2 A

3 B

4 B

5 A

6 D

7 C

8 D

9 C

10 A

11 B

12 B

13 A

14 C

15 D

16 C

17 A

18 C

19 C

20 A

2

Section II

Question 21 (a)

Criteria Marks

• Provides correct answer with any one of the popular beliefs 1

Sample answer:

It was a popular belief that peptic ulcers were caused by spicy foods, stress, smoking and/or heavy drinking.

Question 21 (b)

Criteria Marks

• Identifies that bacterium was discovered while studying biopsies from patients suffering from gastrointestinal disease

• Identify that parallel was noticed between the severity of the inflammation f the stomach lining and the number of bacteria.

2

• Identifies either one of the above 1

Sample answer:

Warren and Marshall discovered a bacterium while studying biopsies from patients suffering

from gastrointestinal disease. They also noticed a parallel between the severity of the

inflammation of the stomach lining and the number of bacteria.

Question 21 (c)

Criteria Marks

• Identify that growth of bacterium was difficult in the lab

• Identify that bacterium required extended period of growth

• Identify that the growth eventually was a result of an unintentional act

3

• Any 2 of the above 2


Sample answer:

Warren and Marshall tried to grow the Helicobacter pylori in the lab but found it difficult. One

Easter weekend, the incubation period was unintentionally tripled for one set of plates. They

found that the extended period of incubation led to substantial growth of the microbe in the lab.

Once the culture could be grown, it allowed warren and Marshall to extensively experiment

with the bacteria.

3

Question 21 (d)

Criteria Marks

• Identify that scientists could not believe that H pylori could survive the strong stomach acid

• Identify that it was difficult to culture the bacteria in the lab

• Identify the possibility that inflammation allowed H pylori to flourish

• Marshall’s self-experimentation to prove his research

4




Sample answer:

Scientific community were sceptic regarding H pylori causing peptic ulcers because they could

not believe that any bacteria could survive the highly acidic conditions of the stomach.

Secondly it was difficult to culture the bacteria in the lab as it required 5 or more days to

culture. The possibility that the inflammation allowed H pylori to flourish also proved to be

difficult to disprove. To prove their research Marshall swallowed a culture of the bacteria and

developed gastritis, and then under-went endoscopy and stomach biopsy. H pylori was present

in the tissue samples proving their findings.

Question 22 (a)

Criteria Marks

• All steps of scientific method are mentioned in correct sequence 3

• Some steps of scientific report are mentioned but in sequence 2

• Some steps of scientific report are mentioned but not in correct

sequence

1

Sample answer:

Making an observation, asking a question, developing a hypothesis, designing the experiment,

performing the experiment, accepting or rejecting the hypothesis.

4

Question 22 (b)

Criteria Marks

• Identifies that only independent variable is changed

• Identifies that dependent variable is measured

• Identifies that all except for independent and dependent variable, all other variables are kept constant

• Investigation is repeated several times to collect consistent results

• Investigation tests the hypothesis

5

• Any 4 of the above provided

4


3


2


1

Sample answer:

Integrity of any scientific investigation can be evaluated by considering that the method has

only one variable that is deliberately changed, another variable is measured, and all the other

variables are kept constant throughout the investigation. The scientist must ensure that the

scientific investigation tests the hypothesis and the test is repeated several times so that the

results collected are consistent.

Question 22 (c)

Criteria Marks

• Identifies that the risk assessment ensures scientific investigations are conducted safely

• Identifies that risk assessment recognises any potential hazards and problems associated with the substances and tasks involved in the scientific investigation

• Identifies that risk assessment also provides the control methods for the risk and by implementing safe procedures and precautions

3

• Any 2 of the above provided 2


Sample answer:

Risk assessments ensure that the scientific investigations are conducted safely. It identifies any

potential hazards and problems associated with the substances and tasks involved in the

scientific investigation. It also provides the control methods for the risk and by implementing

safe procedures and precautions.

5

Question 23 (a)

Criteria Marks

• Provides a definition of conflict of interest providing all the factors that

may influence the researcher.

2

• Provides a simple definition of conflict of interest without providing all

the factors that may influence the researcher.

1

Sample answer:

Conflict of interest in scientific research is when a researcher has personal, financial,

professional, political, or legal interests in the research that may create a bias in the scientific

decisions or conclusions affecting the result of the research.

Question 23 (b)

Criteria Marks

• Provides an example related to conflict of interest

• Identifies components in the examples that lead to conflict of interest

• Identifies how conflict of interest led to scientific research being suppressed, misinterpreted or misrepresented.

• Relates conflict of interest to inaccurate scientific results • The response is logical and cohesive throughout

5


4



• Only one of the above provided 1

Sample answer:

A scientific researcher who has stocks in a company is asked to test the usefulness of a new product made by the company is an example of conflict of interest. It would be in interest of the researcher to ensure that the report published about the product is positive so that the company stocks value does not drop. The researcher in this example has vested interests in the company and may present a biased report towards the product. This may lead to the data being misrepresented to look positive in regard to the product. Examples may vary. Some students may have real life examples like Tobacco research vs lung cancer etc.

6

Question 24

Criteria Marks

• Identify that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have knowledge of local plants

• Modern practitioners realise that correct preparation of plant is required for preparing a successful remedy

• Pharmaceutical companies understand that local councils, local enders and Indigenous community needs to be consulted for sustainable and ethical collection of medicinal plants

• Same plants could be used for different illnesses

4

• Any three relevant points 3

• Any two relevant points 2

• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and understanding uses of plants for

medicine has been passed over generations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s use

the local plants to prepare medicine to cure ailments. Modern medicine practitioners have

started to realise potency of bush medicine. Modern practitioners understand that it is not just

the knowledge of the healing property of the plant but also how to use the plant in the

customary way for greater success rate. Aboriginal people know how to prepare the plants to

expose active ingredients to ensure medicinal success. The same plants can be used for

different illnesses in different regions. Pharmaceutical companies are aware that they need to

consult the local council, local elders and Indigenous people for sustainable harvesting of

these medicinal plants.

7

Question 25

Criteria Marks

• Provides outline of pseudo-science

• Provides explanation how pseudo-science makes false claims using

scientific facts

• Identifies that pseudo-science preys on people’s ignorance/emotions

• Uses the example provided to outlines how pseudo-science sways

people

• Uses the example provided discusses how Connor’s emotions are being

manipulated by pseudo-science

• Provides example of at least one scientific device used to sway

people’s opinion

• Identifies scientific terminology is used to sway people

• Identifies that pseudo-science is not backed by any scientific

investigation

• Provides a coherent answer

9








• Provides some coherent information in regard to pseudo-science 1

Sample answer:

Pseudo-science is a belief which masquerades as science using the scientific fact. Astrology is

a popular pseudo-science. Its claims are not backed by any research or experimental evidence.

It uses the information from the planets and stars to map out the future. People associate

movement of planets and stars with science and Astrology uses this fact to provide false

predictions and descriptions to people. Pseudo-science tends to use explanations that are

vague and ambiguous, often using scientific terminology to make their claims.

Pseudo-science also use science to predict human behavior and personalities by connecting

them to a planets and features of a planet. This tends to stroke the ego of the person and makes

them believe that indeed they are the personality trait as mentioned in the pseudo-science

description.

The pseudo-science also uses people’s circumstances to evoke emotion and gain access to

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people’s mind. They connect movement of planets to events happening in people’s life. They

evoke emotions of fear or happiness by connecting the features of the planet to a person in

order to influence them.

Various devices such as star charts are used to convince people regarding their changing

circumstances. For example, astrology connects people to different planets, the movement in

stars can indicate impending danger or an auspicious event.

They use complex scientific terminology like aligning of planets and stars to make their claims

of cause and effect to sway public opinion. They prey on the ignorance of people that have low

scientific literacy and sway them using their explanations.

Connor in this example is being swayed by astrology to feel confident about his upcoming HSC

examinations. His emotions and fear regarding the upcoming HSC examination is being used

as medium by astrology to provide its pseudo-scientific claims. As the planets and stars

relating to the prediction are aligning in space according to using scientific websites, Connor

is led to believe that he will be successful in his examinations because of this celestial event.

Question 26 (a)

Criteria Marks

• Identifies one event in history that negatively impacted on public image of

science

1

Sample answer:

Chernobyl incident in 1986- There may be variations here.

Question 21 (b)

Criteria Marks

• Provides a brief description of the incident

• Provides reason for the incident

• Provides two short-term impacts

• Provides two long-term impacts

6

• Provides a brief description of the incident

• Provides reason for the incident

• Provides one/two short-term impact

• Provides one/two long-term impact

4-5




Sample answer:

Chernobyl incident which involved a nuclear meltdown is one of the most famous examples of a horrible event in history that negatively impacted on the public image of science. The

9

incident was a result of flawed reactor design that was operated by inadequately trained personnel. This incident caused a major release of nuclear radioactive material into the atmosphere. Radionuclides were scattered in the vicinity of the plant and over much of Europe.

The nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl caused both short-term and long-term implications to society. Immediately after the incident, an exclusion zone was set up around the nuclear plant and about 120000 people had to be relocated to an area free from heavily contaminated areas close to the nuclear facility. Diverse medical interventions were provided to the people depending on spectrum of injury and level of toxicity. Many people lost their jobs, homes and lives in this incident.

The long-term impacts of Chernobyl incident were on both agricultural and natural ecosystems. The radiation spread to almost 30 countries around the vivinity of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. Radionucleotides were taken up by plants and animals and were subsequently found in milk and meat products. Freshwater fish and wood were also contaminated. Late effects of the incidents were thyroid cancer especially in children and adolescents.

This incident was on a very large scale and made headlines all around the world. As the cause of Chernobyl disaster was failure of science in terms of flawed reactor design and training personnel, people lost all faith in advantages of nuclear science to produce energy.

Question 27

Criteria Marks

• Makes an informed judgement on the impact of space exploration society

• Provides examples of benefits of space exploration and their impact on

society

• Identifies that space exploration is expensive and requires funding from

universities and governments

• Clearly relates benefits to advancement of society

• Communicates ideas in an organised manner using appropriate terminology

8-9

• Identifies that space exploration is expensive

• Discusses an effect of space exploration on society

• Provides examples of technology that have proved to be beneficial to society



7-8

• Identifies that space exploration is expensive

• Discusses an effect of space exploration on society



5-6

• Identifies effects of space exploration on society

• Outlines an effect of space exploration on society



3-4

10

• Identifies an impact of space exploration



2-1

Sample answer:

Space exploration is an expensive venture which relies on funding from universities,

government and private corporations. The money spent on space travel has often been

questioned as there are other issues such as education, national security, health and food that

require funding from the same agencies.

Space exploration aims to develop technology to solve issues in the society such as using solar

winds as an alternative source of energy. The first satellites designed to study space

environments led to the development of satellite telecommunications, global positioning system

and advanced weather forecasting.

The innovations required for space exploration, such as miniaturization will result in

developing technology which is high performance and cost effective. This in turn will provide

better services on Earth.

The space exploration program also provides young people careers in science, engineering

and mathematics. This helps in building the global capacity for scientific research.

Space exploration fulfils people’s curiosity about the solar system and space. The new

technology developed by space exploration provide us better understanding of the universe and

the solar system that we live in. Space exploration is also exploring the future of humankind

when Earth will not be habitable. This search to inhabit Mars has brought many global powers

to work together towards this mission.

Overall, space exploration has produced societal benefit that improves the quality of life on

Earth even though the cost is becoming prohibitive.

Question 28 (a)

Criteria Marks

• Provides correct hypothesis 1

Sample answer:

Application of the Chemical XYZ is beneficial for the growth of a tomato plant.

Question 28 (b)

Criteria Marks

• Correct plots

• Correct unit axes labels

• Correct units on both axes

3


• Any 1 one of the above 1

11

Sample answer:

Question 28 (c)

Criteria Marks

• Makes an informed judgement about whether the hypothesis is

rejected

• Refers to graph in the analysis

• Refers to validity

• Refers to reliability

• Refers to accuracy

• Proposes a suggestion to improve the experiment

6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Hei

ght

of

the

Tom

ato

Pla

nt

(cm

)

Concentration of Chemical XYZ (%)

The effect of different concentrations of Chemical XYZ on

the growth of his tomato plants

12






Sample answer:

The graph shows that the height of the tomato plants increased as the concentration of the

chemical XYZ was increased from zero to 15%. Any concentration of chemical XYZ more than

15% had a detrimental effect on the growth of the tomato plants. Angelo proved the hypothesis

that application of Chemical XYZ will be beneficial for the growth of the plant.

The reliability of the investigation can be improved by repeating the experiment a few more times. The data could also be verified by publications where independent trials of the chemical XYZ has been completed.

The validity of this experiment can be improved by ensuring that all variables except for the independent and dependent variables are controlled. For example, all the tomato plants used in the experiment are of the same variety, the same soil mixture is used, and same amount of water and sunshine is provided to the plant.

Accuracy can be established by indicating the measuring tools. No indication was given in terms of the measurement tools used for measuring the height but the units on the graph indicates growth being measured in cm units. This implies a meter ruler was used. The concentration of the chemical XYZ applied was recorded in percentage indicating measured quantities of the chemical XYZ was used.

Angelo could have also collected some qualitative data in regard to the health of the leaves to provide more information in regard to the benefits of the changing concentration of chemical XYZ.

Question 29

Criteria Marks

• Identifies the bias of consumers

• Identifies the bias of the advertising company

• Identifies the aim of science for products in the market

• Identifies the aim of an advertisement for a product in the mrket

• Identifies that the consumer could look for scientific evidence such as

shelf life to check the authenticity of the bread

• Identifies that the consumer can be easily mislead by misleading

7

13

advertisements

• Identifies that scientific testing of products can provide consumer the

knowledge about the product







Sample answer:

Many consumers make their food choices based on the information provided on the food packaging. The food packaging for the bread in the question labels it as organic, free of chemicals and preservative. This information provided by the bread company can be misinterpreted by the consumer when selecting the bread. The claims on the bread aims to persuade the consumer to purchase the bread. The claim on the bread may not necessarily be based on scientific evidence but instead on food bias of the consumer. Consumers need to identify the advertising bias and read the packaging more carefully to ascertain the authenticity of the claim.

From a scientific point of view if the consumer understands that any product that is organic and preservative free then it cannot have the same shelf life as that of the other brands on the shelf. This should immediately raise concerns regarding the claims made on the bread.

This is an example where science and advertising claims contradict each other. The primary reason for each of these fields is different. Science aims to educate the consumer in making informed choices. Advertising on the other hand wants to persuade the consumer to buy the product. Scientifically testing the product to check the claims may lead to determine the authenticity of the product.

Question 30

Criteria Marks

• Makes a relevant judgement about the impact that a development in scientific

theory/law/models had on the development of new technologies

• Identifies a relevant example to assess the impact that a development in

scientific theory/laws/models had on the development of new technologies

• Supports the judgement with detailed discussion

• Discusses the impact scientific theory/law on the development of the new

technology

• Explains the relationship between a scientific theory/law on the development

of the new technology

7

• Explains the relationship between scientific theory/law on the development

of the technology

• Describes the new technology

• Describes a scientific model or law

• Outlines a link between the scientific model/law and the new technology

5-6

14

• Includes a judgement

• Describes the relationship between a scientific theory/law on the

development of the technology

• May provide a link between the impact that a development in scientific

theories/laws/model had on the development of new technologies

4-5

• Outlines the impact that a development in scientific theory/law/models had

on the development of new technologies

2-3

• Provides some relevant information 1

Sample answer:

Newton’s first law of motion states that an object tends to stay at rest or in motion unless an

external force acts on it. It is a natural tendency of objects to resist change in their state of

motion. This property of objects is also called as inertia. A massive object has larger inertia.

Newton’s law applies to earthquakes. The buildings are fixed objects and are not designed to

be in motion. When the land underneath the building starts to move, the building resists the

movement due to its natural tendency which is inertia. This resistance cause damage to the

building structure. As an earthquake is a series of land movements, the building tends to resist

each movement and hence each time there is more damage to the structure of the building.

Larger the building, more the damage. In absence of inertia, the building would move with the

ground and there would be no damage.

For new buildings scientists have developed anti-seismic technology to build structures that

can withstand vast majority of earthquakes. Devices such as isolation systems and dampers are

incorporated into the design of the building to reduce the vibrations induced in a building.

For existing building scientists have developed a technology called as the vibrating barrier.

This device is buried in the soil detached from surrounding buildings and is able to absorb a

significant amount of energy from an earthquake vibration.

Newton’s Law of motion has helped scientists understand the physics of earthquakes and hence

helped in developing technology for building structures to withstand earthquakes.

15

HSC Investigating Science Questions Mapping Grid

Section I

Question Marks Content Syllabus outcomes Targeted

performance

bands

1 1 Mod 5 Student Investigations INS 11/12-3, INS 12-12 2-3

2 1 Mod 5 Practical Investigations to Obtain

Primary Data

INS 11/12-2, INS 12-12 2-4

3 1 Mod 6 Scientific Investigation and

Technology

INS 11/12-4, INS 12-13 2-5

4 1 Mod 5 Different Types of Scientific

Investigations

INS 11/12-2, INS 12-12 3-4


Investigations

INS 11/12-1, INS 12-12 2-3


Technology

INS 11/12-2, INS 12-13 3-4


Investigations

INS 11/12-2, INS 12-12 3-5

8 1 Mod 7 Impact on investigations INS 11/12-4, INS 11/12-5, NS 12-14

3-5

9 1 Mod 8 Regulation of Scientific Research 3-5

10 1 Mod 7 Testing Claims INS 11/12-6, INS 11/12-7, NS 12-14

3-5

11 1 Mod 8 Influence of Economic, Social and

Political Forces on Scientific

Research

INS 11/12-4, INS 11/12-5,

NS 12-15

4-5

12 1 Mod 7 Testing Claims INS 11/12-7, INS 12-14 3-4


Political Forces on Scientific Research

INS 11/12-7, INS 12-14 3-5

14 1 Mod 7 Testing Claims INS 11/12-5, INS 11/12-7,

NS 12-14

3-5

15 1 Mod 8 Regulation of Scientific Research INS 11/12-6, INS 11/12-7,

INS 12-15

4-5


Political Forces on Scientific Research

INS 11/12-4, INS 11/12-5,

INS 12-15

4-6

17 1 Mod 7 Science as Self-Correcting -the

issues

INS 11/12-4, INS 11/12-5,

NS 12-14

4-5


Technology

INS 11/12-2, INS 12-13 3-4

19 1 Mod 6 A continuous Cycle INS 11/12-4, INS 12-13 4-6

20 1 Mod 6 A continuous Cycle INS 11/12-4, INS 12-13 4-5

16

Section II

Question Marks Content Syllabus outcomes Targeted

performance bands

21 10 Mod 5:

Mod 6:

Practical Investigations to Obtain Primary Data

Scientific Investigation and

Technology

INS11/12–2, INS12-12,

INS12-13

2–4

22 11 Mod 5: Practical Investigations to Obtain Primary Data

INS11/12–5, INS12–14 2–4

23 7 Mod 7: Evidence Based Analysis INS11/12-6, INS12–14 2–3

24 4 Mod 6: A Continuous Cycle INS11/12–2, INS12–12, INS12–15

2–6

25 8 Mod 7: Reading between Lines INS11/12–2, INS11/12–6,

INS11/12–7, INS12–14

2–6

26 7 Mod 8: Incidents, Events and

Science

INS11/12–1, INS11/12–2,

INS11/12–4, INS11/12–5,

INS11/12–6, INS12–14

2–6

27 9 Mod 8:

Mod 6:

Influence of Economic, Social and

Political Forces on Scientific

Research

INS11/12-7, INS12-13,

INS12-14

3-5

28 10 Mod 6: Scientific Investigation and

Technology

INS11/12-1, INS11/12-2,

INS11/12-4, INS12-13

29 7 Mod 7: Testing Claims INS11/12-5, INS11/12-7,

INS12-14

3-5

30 7 Mod 6: A continuous Cycle INS11/12-2, INS12-13 4-6

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