CAPS GRADE 11 –LIFE SCIENCES

PRACTICAL EXAM

DURATION:1 hourMARKS:60

There are 4 stations in this practical and the class is divided into 3 groups of 6 each. The first 3 stations will be in the laboratory or the science classroom and the 4th station is where the whole class will move into the next classroom to do the 4th activity at the same time as a class.

STATION 1 – Testing for starch20 minutes

At this station there will be 2 hotplates, many green leaves, 12 small beakers, 6 test tubes, 6 test tube racks, 6 thongs, 2 large beakers with water, alcohol, iodine and a petri dish / saucer.

Each learner will be numbered 1 to 6 and will be required to number the equipment that is to be used according to their respective numbers. Each learner is required to conduct the starch test and record the results of their investigation in the answer sheet. (1)

For the conduction of this practical, the learner will be assessed using the following rubric:-

RUBRIC FOR CONDUCTION OF EXPERIMENT(12)
Assessment criteria / Performance indicator levels
1 / 2 / 3
Working through procedure in an organized manner / Procedure disorganised / Procedure partially organised / Procedure efficiently organised
Time management / Experiment not completed in time / Experiment partially completed in time / Experiment completed in time
Ability to use apparatus / equipment / Always used incorrectly / Sometimes used correctly / Always used correctly
Results / No results / Partially correct results / All results correct

Redraw the following diagrams in your answer book and write down what the results will be if the starch test was performed on each of the leaves:-

(2)

(15)

STATION 2 – DISSECTED KIDNEY(15)

Each learner will be given a dissected kidney with flags labelled A to F on a saucer . Measure the length and breadth of the kidney and record this in your answer book. Draw the internal structure of the kidney.

RUBRIC FOR DRAWING WHEN DOING A DISSECTION(7)

Scale for drawing / Performance indicator

5

/ Correctly drawn, no unnecessary detail

4

/ A few unnecessary detail

3

/ Half unnecessary detail

2

/ More than half unnecessary detail

1

/ A lot of unnecessary detail

+ Following For Diagram:

Assessment criteria / 2
Caption – internal structure / 1
Scale – internal structure / 1
  1. Provide labels for parts A (renal capsule), B (ureter), C (pyramids) and D (cortex). (4)
  2. What is the function of the parts labelled A, B and E (papillary ducts) and F (medulla)(4)

STATION 3 - SIMPLE SAMPLING PRACTICAL(15)

Prior to the practical exam, the teacher will plant a mixed seed collection in a 1m by 1m trough. Learners will be given a tape measure. The practical should be conducted so that the learners will estimate the size of the

Choose a particular plant and count the number of these plants ten times in this plot and record these results in the table below.

SAMPLE NO. / NO. OF PLANTS IN THE PLOT / ESTIMATE IN THE SCHOOL YARD
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TOTAL

ESTIMATION OF SAMPLE SIZE(5)

  1. To estimate the number of plants in the classroom by using the following formula:-

Number of plants in the sampleXhabitat size

Sample size

  1. Use the formula above and estimate the number of plants in each sample done
  2. Then, calculate the average number of plants in the classroom by taking the total number of plants and divide it by the number of samples taken

ASSESSMENT:

  1. Is this technique reliable? Give reasons for your answer(3)
  2. Name THREE organisms that can be counted using the simple sampling method(3)
  3. Describe TWO ways by which the validity of this investigation could be improved.(4)

STATION 4 – PREPARING A WET MOUNT AND PLANNING AN INVESTIGATION(4)

PART 1

Each learner will be given a specimen of bread mould, a slide, a cover slip, a dissecting needle and a small beaker of water to make a wet mount of the bread mould. The wet mount will be assessed using the following rubric:-

RUBRIC FOR THE PREPARATION OF A WET MOUNT (SLIDE PREPARATION)(4)

  1. The following competencies need to be developed for the above:

NO. / COMPETENCY / DESCRIPTION OF EACH / YES / NO
1. / Condition of slide / Is it free of dirt?
2. / Cover slip / 1.1Is there a cover slip?
1.2Was the correct technique used when lowering the cover slip?
3. / Presence of air bubbles under cover slip / Are there any air bubbles under the cover slip?
Each yes scores 1 mark, each no scores no marks
TOTAL OUT OF 4

PART 2- PLANNING AN INVESTIGATION

For this part of the practical exam, imagine you were given the following apparatus:-

pieces of bread

Fish paste

Peanut butter

Marmite

Syrup

Or any other food substance that can be easily spread

Water

A 5ml teaspoon

Butter knife

You are required to design an investigation to test the influence of type of substrate on the growth of the fungus.

Follow the rubric provided to design the investigation. You will be assessed according to the rubric for the design part of this investigation:=

RUBRIC FOR EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN(8)

CRITERIA / MARKS
  1. Identifying a problem or describing an observation
Causal relationship described / 1
  1. Stating a hypothesis
  2. Describes an effect that is linked to a variable
  3. Effect is described in terms of a particular direction
  4. Expected change is indicated
  5. Independent variable identified
  6. Dependent variable identified
  7. Stated in such a way so that predictions can be generated from it
  8. Must be testable through experimentation
/ 2
  1. Generating predictions / aims
  2. Logical and clear statement of predictions
  3. Stated in a way that is testable through controlled experimentation
/ 1
  1. Designing an investigative procedure and conducting the investigation
  2. Provides an appropriate detailed experimental design
  3. Furnishes a step-by-step plan
  4. Recognizes the need for controlled investigations
  5. Recognizes that only one independent factor should be variable
  6. Clearly stated and observed precautionary measures
  7. Provides motivation for the appropriate use of equipment
  8. Conservative use of materials / chemicals
  9. Identifies and criticizes limitations of experimental design
  10. Presents the experimental design in a diagrammatic form
  11. Motivates for the repetition of the procedure
/ 3
  1. Planning of the recording of results
  2. Appropriateness of recording sheet e.g. table, diagram etc.
  3. Appropriate instruments used
  4. Units of measurement included
  5. Results organized sequentially
  6. Recognizes the existence of errors in measurement
/ 2

2.Discuss TWO limitations of the techniques and / or instruments used to measure the

fungal growth in this investigation(2)

TOTAL MARKS :60