IGCSE Physics Practical Skills Checklist

Paper 6 is worth 20% of the final grade. It tests practical skills through written questions about experiments, not through hands-on work.

Skill 1: Using instruments

You must be able to:

• Read scales on rulers, thermometers, ammeters, voltmeters, measuring cylinders and spring balances.
• Identify the resolution (smallest division) of each instrument.
• Avoid parallax error by reading at eye level.
• Record measurements with the correct number of decimal places for the instrument.
• Identify and correct zero errors.

Skill 2: Recording data

You must be able to:

• Record readings in a table with correct column headings (quantity / unit).
• Record raw data to the precision of the instrument.
• Calculate derived quantities and record them to the appropriate number of significant figures.
• Identify anomalous results.

Skill 3: Plotting graphs

You must be able to:

• Choose appropriate axes and scales.
• Plot points accurately.
• Draw a best-fit line (straight or curved).
• Identify anomalous points on a graph.
• Calculate the gradient of a straight-line graph.
• Read values from a graph (interpolation).

Skill 4: Analysing results

You must be able to:

• Describe the relationship shown by a graph (proportional, linear, inversely proportional).
• Calculate a quantity from the gradient or intercept of a graph.
• Compare experimental results with theoretical predictions.
• Suggest reasons for differences between experimental and theoretical values.

Skill 5: Planning experiments

You must be able to:

• State which variables to change, measure and control.
• Describe the method in enough detail for someone else to follow.
• Name the equipment needed.
• Explain how to improve accuracy (e.g., repeats, using more precise instruments).
• Explain how to improve reliability (e.g., controlling variables, increasing the range of measurements).

Skill 6: Evaluating experiments

You must be able to:

• Identify sources of error (systematic and random).
• Suggest improvements to reduce error.
• Assess whether results support a conclusion.
• Distinguish between precision (how close repeat readings are to each other) and accuracy (how close a reading is to the true value).