PSLE 2012 - Science

[ultimateschooler]

I say the paper is flawed.

[Mum of 3]

creamyhorror:

Mum of 3:

I do not disagree with the teacher's answers. However, if we consider this question from another angle, why is the difference in habitat an advantage when the frog and tadpole feed on different things in the first place?

Even if the tadpoles eat different things from the frogs, they'll still affect the overall food supply. Here's one possibility:


- Let's say both tadpoles and animal A eat animal B
- Let's say animal A is eaten by frogs
- So if tadpoles eat animal B, the population of animal A will be reduced
- Thus, frogs will have less of animal A to eat

So it makes sense for a species to geographically diversify and spread out, even if it eats different things in two stages of its life cycle.

Creamy Horror, I agree with your analysis but it is at a much higher level than what is within Pri 6 syllabus. From the thread, I gather that some of the students stated the advantage as \"there will be no competition for food\". Your analysis is based on food supply, not competition - a concept which Pri 6 students are taught (based on overcrowding).

[janet88]

Monsterparent:

Regarding the toad and tadpole question, is it acceptable if the student wrote \"so that the frog will not eat its own eggs and offsprings\"

My answer:
the frog does not look after its young, and not all the young will develop into adults as there are predators. by laying many eggs, this is to ensure continuity of its own kind.

[ultimateschooler]

Tadpole answers. Living in water offers better mobility as they have not developed legs. Also enables it protection from predators as it moves in numbers. This question

was posed in one test in Dd school last year.

[Nebbermind]

Sun


Didn't go thru the link but I guess should just ignore my earlier reply as I'm now not sure the context of the Qn!! :oops:

[Sun_2010]

Nebbermind:

Sun


Didn't go thru the link but I guess should just ignore my earlier reply as I'm now not sure the context of the Qn!! :oops:

Nehmind , Nebbermind .
Actually that was driving me up the wall too. almost all questions no one states the question. They just discuss the answers . And I am left figuring out the questions from their chatter. Or pester a colleague to ask her P6 DD about the Questions :oops:

As to whether this question is suitable or within the Primary science syllabus, remains to be seen.

[Sun_2010]

creamyhorror:

Unfortunately, all this is irrelevant from a P6 point of view. We don't know what MOE has decided to be an acceptable answer. Has anyone ever managed to ask MOE for clarification on an exam question?

Creamyhorror, Thanks for your posts. I like you take on the questions, logical explanations and the show a very good grasp on concepts. Hang around in the Science threads :please: . I will soon start needing more help in the next few years. When i will start wondering, how on earth I did my physics when i cant confidently answer seemingly simple questions.

[Mum of 3]

Sun_2010:

Nebbermind:

Sun


Didn't go thru the link but I guess should just ignore my earlier reply as I'm now not sure the context of the Qn!! :oops:

Nehmind , Nebbermind .
Actually that was driving me up the wall too. almost all questions no one states the question. They just discuss the answers . And I am left figuring out the questions from their chatter. Or pester a colleague to ask her P6 DD about the Questions :oops:

As to whether this question is suitable or within the Primary science syllabus, remains to be seen.

Hi Sun,

The frog/tadpole question as posted by BeContented is 'Adult frog live on land & tadpoles in water. State 2 advantages for it'.

I believe the MCQ question that has been hotly debated is whether frictional force acts on the object shown in 3 pictures which are : A) stationary object on level ground B) stationary object on a ramp or slope C) object moving down a ramp or slope. The choice of answers includes (i) A, B & C (ii) B & C (iii) C only - not in order.

It takes a lot of effort to get the children to recall the questions, and also the answers they wrote. PSLE must have been such a stressful experience for the children they are now suffering from selective loss of memory.

[verykiasumummy]

i think for the frog and tadpole question, students should answer :


the tadpoles and frogs live in different habitat, therefore if one of the habitats is destroyed, the population of frogs or tadpoles will still continue to survive since they are not dependent on the same habitat.
the tadpoles and frogs feed on different source of food, therefore if one of their food source is greatly reduced, the population of frogs or tadpoles will still continue to survive since they do not depend on the same kind of food for survival.

[verykiasumummy]

as for the friction question, i still think in the point of view from a P6 student, they should choose all of the set ups as all they learn about friction is friction is a type of contact force. when 2 surfaces are in contact, they have friction.


i’m not sure if to disagree that stationary objects do not have frictional force acting on them. because gravitational force acts on the object, which causes it unable to overcome the frictional force (horizontally) between the 2 surfaces, therefore it remains stationary. if the object is 10N, means gravitational force acting on it is 10N, so in order to move it horizontally, it will also need minimum 10N to overcome its frictional force which is also 10N…

am i correct in interpreting this from the view of P6 student??