0610 Paper 6 - Free 6 marks in Planning an Investigation Question | Biology | Prof Pras

Summary

This video provides a detailed guide on how to score full marks on a six-mark planning and investigation question in the Biology 6610 exam. The speaker outlines the key components of the question, including identifying the independent and dependent variables, stating constant variables, repeating the experiment, and ensuring safety precautions. The video emphasizes the importance of providing clear, specific data, including at least three examples for each variable and methods to keep conditions constant. By following these strategies and practicing past questions, students can confidently tackle this challenging section of the exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 The six-mark planning and investigation question in biology can be tackled effectively by following certain key steps.
• 😀 You are guaranteed three free marks if you can identify the independent variable, repeat the experiment, and mention a relevant safety precaution.
• 😀 The independent variable is usually provided in the question, but you must deduce it from the context and provide at least three examples with units.
• 😀 The dependent variable is something you measure at the end of the experiment, not the factor that affects it.
• 😀 Always provide at least three constant variables that could impact the results of the experiment to ensure fairness.
• 😀 Repeating the experiment and stating how many times you repeat it can help secure free marks for this question.
• 😀 Safety precautions must be relevant to the specific experiment you're conducting; general safety tips like using goggles and gloves can be applied if no specific precaution comes to mind.
• 😀 For the method, listing the apparatus required is essential to secure marks, even if the full procedure depends on the specific experiment.
• 😀 For temperature control, use thermostatically controlled water baths rather than Bunsen burners to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the experiment.
• 😀 When reading a question, always focus on identifying what you are actually measuring (e.g., the height of the yellow agar jelly) rather than assuming the provided factors are the dependent variables.
• 😀 The key to mastering the six-mark question is practice—solving multiple past paper questions will help you identify the correct approach and improve your confidence.

Q & A

What are the six marks allocated for in the planning and investigation question?

The six marks are allocated as follows: 1 mark for stating the independent variable, 4 marks for the details of measuring the dependent variable, 2 marks for stating constant variables, 1 mark for repeating the experiment, and 1 mark for stating a safety precaution.

How can students easily secure three marks without fully understanding the experiment?

Students can easily secure three marks by correctly stating the independent variable, repeating the experiment, and mentioning a relevant safety precaution.

How should the independent variable be stated in the response?

The independent variable should be stated by providing at least two or three options with specific data and units. For example, if the independent variable is temperature, it could be stated as 'Use at least three different temperatures: 10°C, 25°C, 30°C.'

What is the common mistake students make when identifying the dependent variable?

The common mistake is that students confuse the rate of diffusion with the dependent variable. The dependent variable should be what you measure at the end of the experiment, such as the height of the yellow agar jelly in this example.

How many constant variables should students mention, and why are they important?

Students should mention at least three constant variables. These are important because they help ensure the experiment is fair by controlling factors that could otherwise affect the results.

What does the examiner expect from students when they state the need to repeat the experiment?

Students should state that the experiment should be repeated at least twice or three times to ensure reliable results. This is an automatic mark and should be explicitly mentioned.

What is the key to identifying the correct safety precautions for an experiment?

The key is to ensure the safety precautions are relevant to the experiment. If students can’t think of a specific precaution, they should always fall back on general safety measures like wearing goggles and gloves.

How does the method for the experiment affect the marks students can score?

The method can vary depending on the experiment. While students don’t need to provide a specific method to get full marks, mentioning the correct apparatus for controlling constants can help secure additional marks.

What apparatus should be mentioned when controlling temperature in an experiment?

For controlling temperature, students should mention a thermostatically controlled water bath. This apparatus ensures the temperature remains constant throughout the experiment.

How should students approach writing the method for the investigation?

Students should include the apparatus used in the experiment, mention how it helps maintain constant variables, and explain the general procedure. The method will depend on the experiment, but naming appropriate tools like a pH meter, water bath, or buffer solution can help.