GCSE ISA for Science-what are they???

[RoadWarrior]

Assalamualaykum.

I have to do a write up on ISA for science GCSE, we didnt do them back in my day so I have no idea what to write?

I'd really appreciate if anyone familiar with ISAs could give me a few paragraphs explaining:

-what is an ISA?
-what do students have to do?

[RoadWarrior]

Ok I've done abit of googling and so far I've come up with the following:

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Investigative Skills Assignments (ISA) Write up

As part of their science GCSE, students must carry out one or more 45 minute tests on data they have collected previously in addition to data supplied in the test; these tests are known as ISA. In order to be successful in the ISA, students must be fully compentent in understanding and following up various aspects of a scientific investigation.

The ISA consists of two parts, a practical investigation followed by a written paper. The students therefore will generally carry out the following procedures:
 Planning
- the experiment is introduced by the teacher
- a plan of what is to be investigated is written
- a table to record future data is produced

 Carrying out the experiment
- students will do the experiment themselves
- Factors such as observation, recognizing variables, fair testing, accuracy, precision and reliability, using correct instruments to make measurements and recording data in the correct way are essential

 Presenting data
- The production of a results table with the recorded data; recognizing dependent and independent variables and placing them in the table correctly
- Displaying the tabulated results by production of a relevant graph/chart; bar charts, line graphs and scatter graphs
- Understanding different forms of errors and being able to understand them (if any); random and systematic
- Understanding anomalies and being able to recognize anomalies (if any) within own data

 Analysis and Evaluating
- Table and graph produced by student given back to be used in the written exam
- Using the data to draw conclusions; being able to identify patterns and relationships
- Being able to analyse and evaluate the experiment with regards to reliability and validity of results produced.

[MrOnline]

http://www.ummah.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161530 ;)