GCSE-readyGCSE and International GCSE Biology: core practicals
Questions about the core practicals come up in the exams: you may be asked to describe the method, name the variables, spot a hazard or explain the results. Here are the 8 core practical lessons on GCSE-ready, with a tracker to tick off what you can do.
My practicals tracker
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What to know for each practical
- Aim: what the practical is testing.
- Variables: the independent variable (what you change), the dependent variable (what you measure) and the control variables (what you keep the same).
- Method: the steps in order, with the equipment and the measurements.
- Hazards: what could go wrong and how to reduce the risk.
- Results: the pattern you expect and how to explain it, and how to make the results more accurate or repeatable.
The full list for your course is in the GCSE specification and International GCSE specification (GCSE calls them core practicals; International GCSE specifications list the practical investigations). Check it with your teacher: GCSE-ready may not cover every one yet.