Practical Examinations, Internal Assessment and Project Work
Practical and internal assessment reward consistent laboratory or studio work, accurate recording and the ability to explain what was done. Components usually include practical examination performance, laboratory record, viva, periodic tests, notebook maintenance and project work. ASSEB expects original records and safe, supervised practice.
Core rules and concepts
- Practical record: aim, apparatus or materials, theory, procedure, observations, calculation, result and precautions. Record readings as taken, not as expected.
- Error analysis: state least count; use significant figures; calculate percentage error as |measured − accepted| / accepted × 100.
- Project file: title, rationale, objectives, methodology, data or evidence, analysis, conclusion and bibliography.
- Internal assessment: regular class tests, assignments, notebook upkeep and participation contribute; keep them complete and dated.
- Viva: be ready to explain the principle, the step you chose and one likely source of error.
Worked example: percentage error
A measured value is 9.80 m/s² and the accepted value is 9.81 m/s². Difference = 0.01. Percentage error = 0.01/9.81 × 100 ≈ 0.102%. Reasoning: divide the absolute difference by the accepted value, then multiply by 100. Keep units out of the percentage and report an appropriate number of significant figures.
Traps that cost marks
- Copying a record book instead of writing observations from your own work.
- Omitting units, least count or significant figures.
- A project with no methodology or data analysis.
- Unsafe handling of apparatus or chemicals.
- Being unable to explain a recorded observation during viva.