Scientific Method and Practical Skills

What this page covers

This unit page collects resources on how physicists work: planning an experiment, taking measurements, judging errors and reporting results. Most are mind maps and flashcard decks, with a smaller set of quizzes and notes made by GoConqr users.

• Errors and uncertainty: the mind maps "Errors in Measurements_1" and "Practical Skills - Uncertainty" cover systematic and random error, calibration, zero error and how to find uncertainty from single or repeated readings.
• Key terms: the "ISA Glossary of Key Terms" deck runs through accuracy, precision, hypothesis, fair test and more.
• Reports and method: the "Scientific Report" quiz asks what each part of a report is, from aim to discussion.

Where to start

Begin with the quiz "How science works". It checks ideas such as sample size, reliability and reproducibility, so you quickly see what you already know. Then open "Unit 1 Flashcards" for variables, controls, hypothesis and units.

Moving on to practical work

Next, try the deck "AS Level Physics Practical (2016)". It covers the micrometer screw gauge, the vernier scale, accuracy, precision and absolute and fractional uncertainty. If you are preparing for GCSE Physics or A-level Physics, you will also find decks on required practicals and planning, analysis and evaluation.

Using quizzes and maps together

Try a quiz first and note the questions you miss. Then open a mind map on that topic, such as the one on repeating measurements questions, and read the branches that match. Return to the quiz a day later to see what stuck. Flashcards suit short sessions on definitions.

Many maps here are titled "Scientific Activity", made by different users. Open two or three and compare how each one organizes the same ideas.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the Foundations of Physics strand in the Physics subject. It is a good base before you move on to topics that rely on careful measurement.

Pick one resource today, work through it, and then make a mind map or deck of your own to fill any gaps.