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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Conduct an investigation in the natural science 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
7508  Conduct an investigation in the natural science 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Natural Sciences in GET and ABET 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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. 

REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
Life and Living: This theme deals with organisms and their interdependence and interactions within their respective environments, how life processes are sustained and how these processes are affected by human activity and other 

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
  ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
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  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2023-06-30  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" 		 2023-06-30  MQA 
Fundamental  23253   National Certificate (GETC): Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2023-06-30  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  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
Elective  73249   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training: Academic Curriculum  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2028-06-30  UMALUSI 


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 Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries 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 Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
 
1. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
4. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
5. Aubrey Nyiko Business Enterprise cc 
6. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
7. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
8. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
9. College of Cape Town - Athlone Campus 
10. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
11. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
12. FALSE BAY TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING COLLEGE 
13. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
14. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
15. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
16. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
17. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
18. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
19. Leronsa Trading Enterprise 
20. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
21. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
22. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
23. Northlink College 
24. NWK Beperk 
25. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
26. People Upliftments t/a POPUP Upliftment 
27. PPC Ltd 
28. Professional Development and Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
29. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
30. RCL Foods-Sugar & Milling (MP) 
31. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
32. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
33. SEOPOSENGOE TRAINING CONSULTANCY CC 
34. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
35. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
36. South Cape Public FET College - George Campus 
37. Tembe Service Providers 
38. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
39. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 


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.