EXTENDED RESPONSE TASKS

Ideas for Year 11 and 12 Physics students for ERTs
From Dr Richard Walding, FRACI, CChem, FAIP - Griffith University

TECHNIQUES FOR PREPARING A ERT IN PHYSICS (Queensland style)

In an ERT students are required to respond to a science question (a Research Question), statement (Thesis), circumstance or issue (Stimulus) related to their curriculum. It is essentially non-experimental, but requires research and use of secondary data – although students may have to draw on primary experimental data.  An ERT can be created  by stating a Topic/Focus (F), providing a Stimulus or Scenario, and generating a Research Question and a Thesis, viz:

• Amusement Park physics F
  
• Nuclear Medicine F
  
• Car Safety and Roundabouts F
  
• Enhancing Vision F
• Historical development of models of atomic structure. F
  (This topic is an example of one that would need to be discussed with the teacher to ensure that the task criteria can be addressed.)

Example of a Stimulus

You are a science reporter for the magazine “Science Nation”, a magazine similar to the “New Scientist” magazine, but focussing mainly on producing science articles clarifying issues for senior science students and the general public with an interest in science. Your editor has just asked you to produce an article to be titled “Air bags in cars - Myths Busted”.  As your editor explains to you, there is some confusion in the public about the use of air bags. In the eyes of some members of the public, it is thought that they cause more damage than seat belts alone. Evidence from United States showing that people have had their necks broken by airbags is cited to support their claims. To others, the issue is a non-event, as scientists and governments have shown that US airbags use higher amounts of explosives to produce faster inflation as seatbelts are not compulsory there. The editor wants you to make a strong statement and write an article to argue the case. S

Examples of Research Questions

• Which is better, digital hearing aids or analogue ones? RQ
  
• In what way do our electrical systems incorporate a number of devices that illustrate the basic physics principles and ideas associated with the interactions between electric and magnetic fields? RQ
  
• Induction heating is responsible for the loss of energy during its transmission so how can it also be used as an efficient heating method in the domestic environment? RQ
  
• How does the interaction between electric and magnetic fields provide the necessary requirements for the recording, reading and production of sound? RQ
  
• How are wave and particle theory applied in practical contexts? RQ

Examples of Thesis Statements (courtesy of Chuck Forzatti)

• The laws of thermodynamics may be used to refute, on a scientific basis, the theory of evolution and support the position of creationists. T
  
• Different traffic situations require different traffic management/calming techniques. T
  
• Changing the design parameters of a Dreamworld ride affects the thrill and safety of the ride. T
  
• The use of radiation for the treatment of foods is an effective and safe way to extend the shelf life of perishable foods and address an impending crisis in food shortages in the world today. T
  
• The application of nuclear medical technology is an important adjunct to diagnostic medicine and provides an effective means for the monitoring and treatment of disease. T
  
• As a source of energy, nuclear energy provides a safer alternative than current fossil fuel technology for the production of energy for large-scale consumption. T
  
• MRI is better than a CT Scan for medical diagnosis. T
  
• PET scans are dangerous as they involve nuclear radiation. T
  
• Digital cameras can record better images than film cameras.T
  
• Einstein had a more profound effect on Physics than did Newton. T
  
• The wave model of light better accounts for the properties of light than does the particle model. T
  
• Electronic levels in atoms are not really true – they are mathematical solutions to real-world observations. T
  
• Time travel is not possible, no matter what the movies say. T
  
• When riding a bicycle over rough ground, it is better to take your feet off the pedals to avoid discomfort. T
  
• The acoustic guitar is a very energetic instrument. T
  
• For a rollercoaster ride, Design A is better than Design B (supplied). T
  
• Audio recording quality has improved since the introduction of digital techniques. T
  
• Optical fibre technology has revolutionised methods of communication. T

CHANGING THE DEGREE OF OPENNESS OF INQUIRY (NON-EXPERIMENTAL)
The degree of openness of an ERT inquiry can be varied by changing the parameters of the task. The following table shows how this can be achieved. It does not necessarily mean that the complexity or challenge of the task increases with increasing open-ness, just the control the student has over the process. Level "0" Openness (verification) can apply equally to inquiry tasks or "closed" non-inquiry problems where the data is given and there is a "correct" answer; eg: calculate the average speed of a car that accelerates from rest and covers 100 m in 12 seconds. In Senior Physics students are most likely to be dealing with Level 2a Openness and above in their ERTs.