Assessment criteria (A: Knowing and understanding; B: Inquiring and designing; C: Processing and evaluating; D: Reflecting on the impacts of science) flashcards

Topic 4: Assessment criteria (A: Knowing and understanding; B: Inquiring and designing; C: Processing and evaluating; D: Reflecting on the impacts of science)

What are the four MYP Sciences assessment criteria?

A: Knowing and understanding. B: Inquiring and designing. C: Processing and evaluating. D: Reflecting on the impacts of science. Each is marked 0–8, so the subject total is 0–32. There is no SL/HL split.

What does top-band criterion A evidence look like?

Applying scientific knowledge (facts, concepts, laws, models, theories) to solve problems in unfamiliar contexts and make scientifically supported judgements — not just recalling a definition.

What does criterion B (Inquiring and designing) require?

Formulating your own testable research question and hypothesis, identifying the independent, dependent and controlled variables, and designing and justifying a method that could answer the question.

What makes a hypothesis testable?

It states a specific, measurable relationship between the independent and dependent variables, ideally with a scientific reason. Example: as salt concentration increases, potato mass decreases more, because water leaves the cells by osmosis.

Why must controlled variables be named and justified?

An uncontrolled variable can affect the dependent variable independently and confound the results. Example: temperature affects the rate of osmosis, so it must be kept constant when testing salt concentration.

What does criterion C (Processing and evaluating) require?

Collecting, processing and interpreting data accurately; drawing a conclusion justified by the data (trends, patterns, anomalies) and explained with science; evaluating a specific limitation of the method with a specific, realistic improvement.

Why is "use more trials" a weak evaluation?

It is generic. A strong evaluation names the actual limitation (only one sample per concentration, so one anomaly could distort the pattern) and a targeted improvement (repeat each three times and use the mean), saying why it helps.

What does criterion D (Reflecting on the impacts of science) require?

Explaining how science is applied to a real problem (strand i); discussing and evaluating its implications using a named factor (strand ii); using precise scientific language (strand iii); and documenting sources (strand iv).

What is the year 5 command-term ladder for criterion D?

Strand i: outline (1–2), summarize (3–4), describe (5–6), explain (7–8). Strand ii: outline (1–2), describe (3–4), discuss (5–6), discuss and evaluate (7–8). 7–8 needs a two-sided discussion ending in a judgement.

What do the command terms discuss and evaluate require?

Discuss: a considered, balanced review of a range of arguments or factors. Evaluate: weigh strengths and limitations (benefits and risks) and reach a justified judgement.