ICAS Science study plan

Select the correct instrument and unit for measuring length, mass, volume, temperature and time in 15 described scenarios

Read scales (ruler, graduated cylinder, thermometer, stopwatch) to the stated precision without parallax or meniscus errors

Classify 20 given statements as observation, inference or opinion, with justification

Record a small data set in a table with correct headings, units and consistent decimal places

Convert between common units and prefixes (mm/cm/m, mL/L, g/kg, °C) across 15 items

Choose the appropriate graph type (line, bar, scatter, pie) for 8 described data sets and justify each choice

Describe the trend, any anomaly and the range in 6 supplied data tables or graphs

Calculate means and identify outliers for 3 small data sets by hand

Predict the next value or outcome from a described trend and state the reasoning in one sentence

Write conclusions that cite specific numbers or observations as evidence

Distinguish correlation from causation in 8 short scenarios

Label the independent, dependent and controlled variables in 10 described investigations

Design a fair test for a given question, specifying variables, controls and number of repeats

Identify at least one flaw and one improvement in 8 described experimental designs

Evaluate whether a sample size and number of trials are adequate, and state what would improve reliability

Write a prediction with a justification that links to prior data or a stated scientific idea

Interpret a described apparatus setup from text alone and state what it measures and how

Identify safety, precision and equipment-selection problems in 8 written scenarios

Solve multi-step problems that combine a data table, a unit conversion and a conclusion

Explain why a repeated measurement differs from the first, using ideas of error and variation

Apply a stated scientific relationship to an unfamiliar context and produce a justified answer

Build a claim-evidence-reasoning chain for 10 questions where the data and the conclusion are not obviously linked

Eliminate incorrect options by finding the specific data point or assumption each one contradicts

Check whether a stated conclusion goes beyond what the data supports, and rewrite it so it does not

Complete two mixed-domain practice sets under timed conditions

Log every error by domain and by cause (misread, unit slip, wrong variable, unsupported conclusion) in an error log

Re-attempt all logged errors from weeks 1 to 6 without notes

Speed-check scale reading and unit conversion to under 30 seconds per item

Complete one full timed practice paper and score it against the mark scheme

Re-teach the two weakest sub-skills identified in the error log using worked examples

Practise written conclusion and investigation-design answers under a 5-minute-per-question limit

Confirm timing strategy: allocate reading time, flag-and-return items, and check units before answering