Inquiry: notes and practice questions
Tools 1 to 3 (experimental techniques, technology, mathematics) and Inquiry 1 to 3 (exploring and designing, collecting and processing data, concluding and evaluating). No teaching hours of their own and no level split. Tool 3 Mathematics is the largest and defines everything a Physics question may assume mathematically, including the fact that there is no calculus. The whole of Paper 1B is drawn from this material, so it is 13% of an HL grade and 16% of an SL grade on its own. Examined as uncertainty propagation, precision and significant figures, gradients from best-fit and extreme-gradient lines, and judgements about accuracy, precision, reliability and validity.
Subtopics
- Practice questionsDesigning
This topic covers the skills required to design scientific investigations, including formulating research questions and planning experimental procedures. Design investigations that may involve hands-on laboratory experiments, databases, simulations, or modelling.
- Practice questionsControlling Variables
This topic covers the practical skills for identifying and managing variables in scientific investigations. Key considerations include calibrating measuring apparatus, including sensors.
- Practice questionsCollecting Data
This topic covers the essential skills for gathering information during a scientific investigation. Identify and record relevant qualitative observations.
- Practice questionsInterpreting Results
This topic covers the skills needed to interpret qualitative and quantitative data. Interpret diagrams, graphs, and charts to understand physical phenomena.
- Practice questionsEvaluating
This topic focuses on critically assessing the outcomes and methodology of a scientific investigation. Evaluate hypotheses by comparing them with processed data and accepted scientific contexts.
