Physics - AQA Paper 1 - Required Practical Handbook

Sep 5, 2026

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Required Practical Handbook for AQA Paper 1 in GCSE Physics, designed to help students meet “working scientifically” requirements and succeed in assessed practicals. It guides learners through how scientific thinking develops, how to plan and carry out experiments safely and accurately, and how to evaluate methods and improve investigations. It also covers how to present, analyse and interpret data, estimate uncertainty, use scientific vocabulary and SI units, and apply apparatus and techniques in practical work.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages61

Reading Time2 h 34 min

AccessFree to download

WORKING SCIENTIFICALLY REQUIREMENTS

Development of scientific thinking

Experimental skills and strategies

Analysis and evaluation

Scientific vocabulary, quantities, units, symbols and nomenclature

APPARATUS AND TECHNIQUES

PHYSICS AQA PAPER 1 REQUIRED PRACTICAL HANDBOOK Name: Class: Teacher: CONTENTS During the GCSE Biology course you are required to carry out a number of different practical's and will be assessed in your exams . To successfully gain the marks in the exam you will need to be able to understand the methods used, analysis of the methods and results and be able to apply scientific knowledge to each practical. SPECIFIC HEAT CAPACITY…………………………………………….10 THERMAL INSULATION (1) (Physics only)…………………20 THERMAL INSULATION (2) (Physics only)………………..24 RESISTANCE (1)………………….…………………………………………….38 RESISTANCE (2)……………………………..………………………………..44 I-V CHARACTERISTICS………………………………………………….48 DENSITY……………………………………………………………………………..56 2 WORKING SCIENTIFICALLY REQUIREMENTS When working through this booklet, use these pages to help you understand the ‘working scientifically’ requirements you have met. 1. DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFIC THINKING | WS 1.1 | Understand how scientific methods and theories develop over time. | | --- | --- | | WS 1.2 | Use a variety of models such as representational, spatial, descriptive, computational and mathematical to solve problems, make predictions and to develop scientific explanations and understanding of familiar and unfamiliar facts. | | WS 1.3 | Appreciate the power and limitations of science and consider any ethical issues which may arise. | | WS 1.4 | Explain everyday and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments. | | WS 1.5 | Evaluate risks both in practical science and the wider societal context, including perception of risk in relation to data and consequences. | | WS 1.6 | Recognise the importance of peer review of results and of communicating results to a range of audiences. | 2 . EXPERIMENTAL SKILLS AND STRATEGIES | WS 2.1 | Use scientific theories and explanations to develop hypotheses. | | --- | --- | | WS 2.2 | Plan experiments or devise procedures to make observations, produce or characterise a substance, test hypotheses, check data or explore phenomena. | | WS 2.3 | Apply a knowledge of a range of techniques, instruments, apparatus, and materials to select those appropriate to the experiment. | | WS 2.4 | Carry out experiments appropriately having due regard for the correct manipulation of apparatus, the accuracy of measurements and health and safety considerations. | | WS 2.5 | Recognise when to apply a knowledge of sampling techniques to ensure any samples collected are representative. | | WS 2.6 | Make and record observations and measurements using a range of apparatus and methods. | | WS 2.7 | Evaluate methods and suggest possible improvements and further investigations. | 3. ANALYSIS AND EVALUATION | WS 3.1 | Presenting observations and other data using appropriate methods. | | --- | --- | | WS 3.2 | Translating data from one form to another. | | WS 3.3 | Carrying out and represent mathematical and statistical analysis. | | WS 3.4 | Representing distributions of results and make estimations of uncertainty. | | WS 3.5 | Interpreting observations and other data (presented in verbal, diagrammatic, graphical, symbolic or numerical form), including identifying patterns and trends, making inferences and drawing conclusions. | | WS 3.6 | Presenting reasoned explanations including relating data to hypotheses. | | WS 3.7 | Being objective, evaluating data in terms of accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility and identifying potential sources of random and systematic error. | | WS 3.8 | Communicating the scientific rationale for investigations, methods used, findings and reasoned conclusions through paper-based and electronic reports and presentations using verbal, diagrammatic, graphical, numerical and symbolic forms. | 4 . SCIENTIFIC VOCABULARY, QUANTITIES, UNITS, SYMBOLS AND NOMENCLATURE | WS 4.1 | Use s

FAQs

What is the purpose of this required practical handbook for GCSE Physics?

It supports students in understanding the working scientifically requirements and applying scientific knowledge to assessed practicals in AQA Paper 1.

Which skills does the handbook cover under “working scientifically”?

It covers scientific thinking development, experimental planning and safe execution, analysis and evaluation of methods and results, and scientific communication of findings.

What is included in “apparatus and techniques” in this booklet?

It lists practical competencies for making accurate measurements, using heating devices safely, sampling and working with biological or physical specimens, and measuring rates of reaction.

Sep 5, 2026

Upload by Jake