Astronomy GCSE : Controlled Assessment
2016–17 course delivered by Think Physics and the Centre for Life
During the course you will do two practical observations and write a report about your work. One of the observations needs to be done unaided – without equipment such as telescopes or cameras. The other observation will make use of equipment.
The controlled assessment is worth 25% of the final marks.
Each piece of controlled assessment is worth 20 marks. You will be assessed on:
- Design (5 marks)
- Observations (5 marks)
- Analysis (5 marks)
- Evaluation (5 marks)
The grade boundaries for the controlled assessment are:
- A* 35 marks
- A 30 marks
- B 24 marks
- C 18 marks
- D 15 marks
Unaided Observations
Produce a series of naked-eye drawings of three lunar surface features. Use them to show their changing appearance at different lunar phases.
Use a shadow stick to record the direction of the Sun at different times on at least two days and hence determine (a) the time of local noon and (b) the observer’s longitude.
Use repeated observations of the faintest stars observable to quantify the effect of light pollution at two different sites.
Aided Observations
Use binoculars/telescope/robotic telescope to produce detailed drawings and/or photographs of at least three Messier/NGC objects.
