SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD:

Conduct an investigation in the natural science

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
7508	Conduct an investigation in the natural science
ORIGINATOR		ORIGINATING PROVIDER
SGB Natural Sciences in GET and ABET
QUALITY ASSURING BODY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences			Life Sciences
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
ABET Level 4	Regular	Level 1	NQF Level 01	4
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered		2012-07-01	2015-06-30	SAQA 0695/12
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2016-06-30		2019-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

The purpose of this standard is to develop investigative skills and attitudes to study scientific phenomena .
On completion of this standard the learner will be able to investigate scientific phenomena by planning, gathering data and drawing conclusions.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Formulate a scientific hypothesis.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. The phenomenon or the problem to be investigated is selected.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. The phenomenon or the problem to be investigated is explained.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Possible reasons for the phenomenon/problem are clearly stated.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Simple examples within the learners reach are investigated. Hypothesis is limited to simple statements. Examples could be focused investigations: e.g. are fizzy/cold drinks badly for teeth? Does cow dung improve plant growth?
Explorative investigations: e.g. what is the best way to clean water? (given equipment); changing plant and animal life with seasonal change; exploring weather changes; nutrients in food stuff; acids and bases in the home.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Devise a plan to implement a procedure to investigate phenomena.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. A procedure that indicates how the phenomenon or the problem will be investigated is clearly planned.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Generally, procedures should be simple using everyday or improvised equipment that is relevant to the day-to-day living of the learner. Existing knowledge could include indigenous knowledge or researched knowledge.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Safety precautions are identified where applicable.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

For example in trying to find the best way to clean a sample of water, learners might plan to select from a variety of equipment.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. The plan relates the subject to existing knowledge.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. The plan shows how useful information that can answer the questions is to be obtained.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. The plan reflects the best of several alternatives.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

They might choose cheesecloth over a sieve because they know smaller holes trap smaller particles.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Implement a plan to investigate a phenomenon or a problem.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Experiments and procedures are carried out according to plan.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

See range for specific outcome 2.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Collecting procedures are assessed and modifications suggested.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

For example, if cheesecloth is not effective in cleaning a sample of water further modifications are suggested.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Appropriate apparatus (equipment) is used.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

4. Apparatus is used safely.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

However, learners would not be expected to display or utilise technical modifications such as, for example, "a vacuum filter", or "reverse osmosis".

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

5. Accurate measurements are taken from apparatus.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Accurate measurements should be taken from calibrated apparatus that is standardised or can be improvised.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Gather and interpret data.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

1. Data gathered is relevant.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

2. Data gathered is appropriately and systematically recorded.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

3. Ways to present information that clarify patterns are selected.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE

Information may be recorded roughly and presented in simple tables with categories and or simple graphs namely pie, bar, simple diagrams etc.

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify and solve basic scientific problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community in conducting the scientific investigation.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING

Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively in conducting the scientific investigation.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collect, analyse, organise and evaluate the scientific data.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING

Communicate effectively using simple diagrams, tables, pie graphs, and bar graphs, to present results.

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	QUALITY ASSURING BODY
Core	24153	General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training	Level 1	NQF Level 01	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2008-09-13	Was ETDP SETA until Last Date for Achievement
Core	48495	General Education and Training Certificate: Water Services	Level 1	NQF Level 01	Reregistered	2015-06-30	EWSETA
Fundamental	22971	General Education and Training Certificate: Conservation	Level 1	NQF Level 01	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2012-06-30	CATHSSETA
Fundamental	58267	General Education and Training Certificate: Mining and Minerals Processes	Level 1	NQF Level 01	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2012-06-30	MQA
Fundamental	23253	National Certificate (GETC): Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities	Level 1	NQF Level 01	Reregistered	2015-06-30	MERSETA
Fundamental	14891	National Certificate: Agricultural Machinery Technician	Level 2	NQF Level 02	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2007-10-18	Was AgriSETA until Last Date for Achievement
Fundamental	49014	National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Underground Hard Rock	Level 3	NQF Level 03	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2007-08-16	Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement
Elective	71751	General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training	Level 1	NQF Level 01	Reregistered	2015-06-30	As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Quality Assuring Bodies have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Quality Assuring Body should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Adcorp Technical Training
2.	All-Rite Services cc (AUSTERVILLE) (TP)
3.	Anglo American - Union Section
4.	ANGLOGOLD ASHANTI LTD (V/R)
5.	ASSMANG LTD
6.	AYANDA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE CC (Korsten)(TP)
7.	BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD
8.	Barloworld Equipment (Pty) Ltd (BELLVILLE) (TP)
9.	Black Eagle Training (PIETERMARITZBURG) (TP)
10.	BMW SA (Pty) Ltd (ROSSLYN) (TP)
11.	Bridgestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Brits Plant (BRITS) (TP)
12.	Bridgestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd - PE Plant (PORT ELIZABETH) (TP)
13.	Concor Projects (pty) Ltd
14.	Continental Tyres SA (Pty) Ltd (NEW BRIGHTON) (TP)
15.	CULLINAN DIAMOND MINE (PTY) LTD
16.	DAMELIN TECHNICAL DIVISION (Cape Town)(TP)
17.	De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd - Kimberley
18.	DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES LTD FINSCH MINE OFFICE
19.	DIGGERS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
20.	Dorbyl Automotive Systems (NEAVE INDUSTRIAL) (TP)
21.	Exxaro Coal Pty Ltd
22.	First Car Care (Pty) Ltd T/A STi Autobody Repairers (GOODWOOD) (TP)
23.	Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Manufacturing)(Pty) Ltd (WALTLO
24.	Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (Struandale Engine Plant) (STRUA
25.	FOSKOR Pty Ltd
26.	Fundisa Zonke Training Academy
27.	GFBLA
28.	Goodyear SA (Pty) Ltd (UITENHAGE) (TP)
29.	Greenside Colliery/Anglo Operations Limited
30.	Grundy S A (Pty) Ltd T/A Remtec Manufacturing (KORSTEN) (TP)
31.	Hansing Engineering (Pty) Ltd (SALDANHA) (TP)
32.	Impala Platinum Limited
33.	IMPALA PLATINUM LIMITED - RUSTENBURG
34.	INSYGHT TECHNOLOGY TRAINING CENTRE (Durban)(TP)
35.	Iphimbo Training Centre (DURBAN) (TP)
36.	Izizwe Training Centre (Pty) Ltd T/A Simtech Training (NORTHDENE) (TP)
37.	JIC MINING SERVICES PTY LTD
38.	Khula Nonke Training & Development
39.	KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN)
40.	LAFARGE SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD
41.	LEBOWA PLATINUM MINES LTD-
42.	Masiqhame Trading 81 cc T/A Kim's Welding School (AUSTERVILLE) (TP)
43.	Mathome Training & Development
44.	MATLA COLLIERY
45.	Mercedes Benz South Africa (Pty) Ltd (EAST LONDON) (TP)
46.	MESSINA PLATINUM MINES
47.	Metals Mining Training Intervention
48.	MILLENNIUM EXCELLENCE (Westville)(TP)
49.	MINTEK
50.	MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION PTY LTD
51.	NEW VAAL COLLIERY A DIVISION
52.	Nissan SA (Pty) Ltd (ROSSLYN) (TP)
53.	NKOMATI MINE
54.	NORTHAM PLATINUM LIMITED
55.	NTHUSENG TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTRE (East End)(TP)
56.	OLIVIER & SCHRODER CC (Bloemfontein)(TP)
57.	PDNA Academy (Pty) Ltd (JOHANNESBURG) (TP)
58.	PETRA DIAMONDS SOUTHERN AFRICA (PTY LTD
59.	Planet Waves 237 (Pty) Ltd T/A Occupational Learning Centre (OLC) (PRE
60.	Polyoak Business School (Pty) Ltd (DIEP RIVER) (TP)
61.	Protea Tyres (Nelspruit) (TP)
62.	PS Productive Services (WESTVILLE) (TP)
63.	Red Coral Investment 176 (Pty) Ltd T/A Acorn City College (DURBAN) (TP
64.	Redpath mining (SA) Pty Ltd
65.	RICHARDS BAY MINERALS
66.	Russ Projects T/A Academy Workplace Development (AWD) (HARRIETDALE) (T
67.	SHAFT SINKERS PTY LTD
68.	SIYEMBA HOLDINGS
69.	SIYEMBA MINING
70.	SNOWDEN
71.	Spring Lights 141 (Pty) Ltd T/A MPC College (DURBAN) (TP)
72.	SSS Sheet Metal Work cc T/A Sheetech SA (DURBAN) (TP)
73.	Tekmation (Pty) Ltd T/A Tekmation Training Institute (DURBAN) (TP)
74.	THE TRADE AID CENTRE (Pietermaritzburg)(TP)
75.	Tisand PTY Ltd t/a RICHARDS BAY MINERALS (320)
76.	Tsoho Training & Development T/A Tsoho Training (BRITS) (TP)
77.	TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD
78.	VENETIA MINE
79.	Volkswagen of South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Technical Learning Academy (UIT
80.	Wessies Brokerage T/A WI Training (PRETORIA) (TP)
81.	Westdawn Investments (Pty) Ltd. trading as JIC Mining Services
82.	WESTERN PLATINUM KAREE MINE
83.	WESTERN PLATINUM MINE
84.	Wilbat Projects 148 (Pty) Ltd (BLUFF) (TP)
85.	Wilbat Projects 148 (Pty) Ltd (ISIPINGO) (TP)
86.	World Focus 382 cc T/A Richards Bay Technical Training
87.	XSTRATA COAL
88.	XSTRATA SA Pty Ltd - Alloys (Head Office)
89.	XSTRATA SOUTH AFRICA (PTY)LTD MINING DIVISION (RUSTENBURG)
90.	Xstrata South Africa Pty Ltd - Alloys t/a Xstrata Rhovan Mine and Oper
91.	Xstrata South Africa t/a CHROME DIVISION-RUSTENBURG PLANT
92.	Xtrata SA Pty Ltd t/a Xstrata Alloys Business Unit Western mines
93.	Y3K Training cc (CAPE TOWN) (TP)