Prescribed experiments
Each school has to run an experimental scheme of work to support and enhance the learning experience in the Diploma Program.
It is up to individual educators to design a suitable course, but there are several types of experiments that are prescribed and, as such, make up part of the examinable material on the exam papers, specifically paper 3.
These experimental areas are listed below.
- Obtaining and using experimental data for deriving empirical formulas from reactions involving mass changes.
- Using titration to calculate the concentration of a solution by reference to a standard solution.
- Obtaining and using experimental values to calculate the molar mass of a gas from the ideal gas equation.
- A calorimetry experiment for an enthalpy of reaction should be covered and the results evaluated.
- Investigation of rates of reaction experimentally and evaluation of results.
- Candidates should have experience of acid-base titrations with different indicators.
- Students should be familiar with the use of a pH meter and universal indicator.
- Performance of laboratory experiments involving a typical voltaic cell using two metal/metal ion half-cells.
- Construction of 3D models (real or virtual) of organic molecules.
- Perform lab experiments which could include single replacement reactions in aqueous solutions.
Students are exposed to the common techniques used in chemistry and should be able to explain how they contribute to the advancement of knowledge. This allows the examiners to include the experimental ideas as conceptual framework for the questions.
The practical scheme of work should also provide the students with a "toolbox" of techniques, or skills, plus familiarity with instruments and apparatus with which to plan and carry out their own investigation (an internally assessed, externally moderated practical investigation).
By the term "toolbox" I refer to the apparatus, correct use, measurements and appreciation of inaccuracies (limitations) inherent in the operations performed.
Internal Assessment
The internal assessment is an extended experiment on a topic of the student's choice that should last 10 hours and is assessed against four criteria.
This piece of practical work is marked by the teacher and then moderated externally; the students grades being adjusted appropriately. The IA experiment is marked out of 24 and then given a weighting of 20%, to be included in the final grade along with the written examination papers.
This is the same for both standard and higher level.