Issues Investigation Year 11 Physics 2016

Topic: Should a Nuclear Waste dump be established in South Australia?

The South Australian government has recently released a plan to establish a low to medium
level nuclear waste dump at a site in northern South Australia. The plan is currently open to
public discussion before a decision is made as to whether the dump will be established. In
this investigation you are required to research the issue Should a Nuclear Waste dump be
established in South Australia?
This individual task consists of two parts: An Information Search and Analysis, and a written
report.
Part A: Information Search, Analysis and Evaluation
Undertake an information search, analysis and evaluation on this topic.
1. Locate relevant Information
Find information in various types of publications such as: newspaper articles, websites,
government publications, radio or TV news items.
Document at least three different sources related to your topic using a copy of the pro
forma on page 4. The sources must include at least two different publications and at
least one should present the case for a waste dump whereas at least one should give
the case against. You need to attach a hardcopy of the information source (i.e.
photograph, scan or clear reference in the case of radio or TV).
2. Analyse and Evaluate the Sources
Analyse and evaluate any source that is used by assessing its relevance, bias, and
credibility, using a copy of the pro forma attached. Your analysis and evaluation may be
done in note form. Submit your evaluations as an attachment to your written report .
This Source Analysis contributes to the word count, so include a word count at the
bottom of each Source Analysis.
Support on evaluating web pages can be found on the SACE Board article Evaluating
Online Sources which is available on the class moodle page in the Administration
section.
Part B: Report
Use what you have learnt from the Information Search and Analysis, and any other
information that you have found since you completed part A above, to write a report on
the information obtained. Reference your work correctly in-text and include a reference
list as detailded in the SACE article Student Guide to Referencing on the class Moodle.
The reference list does not contribute to the word count, however, the Source Analysis
does.
Suggested formats for presentation of an issues investigation report include:

a written report of no more than 750 words (Include a word count).

a multimedia product of maximum length 5 minutes.

A useful structure for the report would be

An introduction of the issue.
A summary of the argument for the issue.
A summary of the argument against the issue.
A brief explanation of the relevant physics which relates to the issue.
A conclusion where you summarise your findings and state your point of view.
Attachments of your information sources.

Submission of your report should be in an electronic format through the

class Moodle using Turnitin by 3 June.

Intro
Relevant physics
Positive
Negative
Conclusion

Assessment
You report will be assessed using the following SACE criteria
I2

Selection and acknowledgment of information about physics and issues in physics from different
sources.

I4

The obtaining, recording, and display of findings of investigations using appropriate conventions and
formats.

AE1

Analysis of connections between data, concepts, and issues in physics.

AE3

Analysis and evaluation of data and other evidence to formulate relevant conclusions.

A1

Application of physics concepts and evidence from investigations to solve problems in new and
familiar contexts.

A2

Use of appropriate physics terms, conventions, formulae, and equations.

KU1

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of physics concepts.

KU2

Use of knowledge of physics to understand and explain contemporary applications.

KU3

Communication of knowledge and understanding of physics in different formats.

STAGE 1 PHYSICS

Information Search, Analysis and Evaluation pro

forma

Student name: _______________________________

Topic: ______________________________________________________________
Source type (e.g. internet, journal, newspaper article, book, video):
I2
Information source (correctly referenced):
I2
Key points:

I2, AE1
relevance
the degree to which a
source addresses the
topic (e.g. relevant
physics, correct
physics)

AE1

bias
refers to a
prejudiced or partial
viewpoint that
would affect
someone's
interpretation of the
topic or related
issues

AE3

credibility
the trustworthiness
(e.g. credentials,
education,
experience) of the
source

AE3

Each
analysis and evaluation should be attached to the source material and clearly marked.