Using Mathematical Tools in Science and Technology

Be able to use mathematical tools in a science or technology context.

Indicative Content

Learners should identify when it is necessary to use estimation and checking in scientific or technological contexts, for example when there is a risk to mathematical accuracy, e.g. when the numbers used are very large or very small. They should carry out mathematical calculations to solve problems.

Learners could use estimation and checking strategies routinely in a scientific or technology context. They could also carry out mathematical calculations to solve problems in science or technology with the aid of given algebraic formulae, such as those for the volume of cylinders, spheres or for quantities such as speed or acceleration. Those working at higher levels might carry out mathematical calculations to solve problems in science or technology with the aid of own selection of algebraic formulae.

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Identify when it is necessary to use estimation and checking in scientific or technological contexts.
  
• 1.2
  Carry out mathematical calculations to solve problems in science or technology.
  

Be able to collect and record data in a science or technology context.

Indicative Content

Learners should collect and record data in a science or technology context using tables. They should be able to process the data collected, identifying any possible errors. They could go on to explain possible errors associated with collecting data and describe how modifications to the method used could have eliminated errors associated with collecting data. They should use suitable mathematical tools to carry out calculations to process primary and secondary data. For example, working out temperature differences, percentages to compare like values, and calculating the mean of a data set.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Collect and record data in a science or technology context.
  
• 2.2
  Process the data collected.
  
• 2.3
  Identify possible errors associated with data collected.
  
• 2.4
  Use suitable mathematical tools to carry out mathematical calculations to process primary and secondary data.
  

Be able to display and interpret data in a science or technology context.

Indicative Content

Learners should be able to use appropriate formats to display data that has been collected in a science or technology context, e.g. tables, bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, scatter graphs. They should interpret collected data and draw conclusions. They could go on to justifying the methods used to interpret data. They could also extract data from different graphical forms such as bar charts, line graphs, scatter graphs and pie charts.

Those working at higher levels could select and use the most appropriate formats for displaying and comparing data, for example recognising that a line graph or scatter graph should be plotted to describe the relationship between two continuous variables. They could also analyse data from different graphical forms used in science and technology.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Use appropriate formats to display data that has been collected in a science or technology context.
  
• 3.2
  Interpret collected data and draw conclusions.