Work samples

Science

Year 8

Above satisfactory

Cells and organ systems

Summary of task

Prior to the sample task, students engaged in investigations of cells and body systems, focusing specifically on cell structure, organelle function, cell specialisation, the digestive system, and reproduction in plants.

This task was part of the final summative assessment of the biological sciences unit. Students were asked to respond to a series of questions relating to the structure and function of various types of cells, the reproductive system of flowering plants, and the digestive system of mammals.

Achievement standard

By the end of Year 8, students compare physical and chemical changes and use the particle model to explain and predict the properties and behaviours of substances. They identify different forms of energy and describe how energy transfers and transformations cause change in simple systems. They compare processes of rock formation, including the timescales involved. They analyse the relationship between structure and function at cell, organ and body system levels. Students examine the different science knowledge used in occupations. They explain how evidence has led to an improved understanding of a scientific idea and describe situations in which scientists collaborated to generate solutions to contemporary problems. They reflect on implications of these solutions for different groups in society.

Students identify and construct questions and problems that they can investigate scientifically. They consider safety and ethics when planning investigations, including designing field or experimental methods. They identify variables to be changed, measured and controlled. Students construct representations of their data to reveal and analyse patterns and trends, and use these when justifying their conclusions. They explain how modifications to methods could improve the quality of their data and apply their own scientific knowledge and investigation findings to evaluate claims made by others. They use appropriate language and representations to communicate science ideas, methods and findings in a range of text types.

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