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Physics

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Overview

Glossary

Abstract

Abstract scenario: a scenario for which there is no concrete referent provided.

Account

Account for: provide reasons for (something).

Give an account of: report or describe an event or experience.

Taking into account: considering other information or aspects.

Analyse

Consider in detail for the purpose of finding meaning or relationships, and identifying patterns, similarities and differences.

Apply

Use, utilise or employ in a particular situation.

Assess

Determine the value, significance or extent of (something).

Coherent

Orderly, logical, and internally consistent relation of parts.

Communicates

Conveys knowledge and/or understandings to others.

Compare

Estimate, measure or note how things are similar or dissimilar.

Complex

Consisting of multiple interconnected parts or factors.

Considered

Formed after careful thought.

Critically analyse

Examine the component parts of an issue or information, for example the premise of an argument and its plausibility, illogical reasoning or faulty conclusions

Critically evaluate

Evaluation of an issue or information that includes considering important factors and available evidence in making critical judgement that can be justified.

Deduce

Arrive at a conclusion by reasoning.

Demonstrate

Give a practical exhibition as an explanation.

Describe

Give an account of characteristics or features.

Design

Plan and evaluate the construction of a product or process.

Develop

In history: to construct, elaborate or expand.

In English: begin to build an opinion or idea.

Discuss

Talk or write about a topic, taking into account different issues and ideas.

Distinguish

Recognise point/s of difference.

Evaluate

Provide a detailed examination and substantiated judgement concerning the merit, significance or value of something.

In mathematics: calculate the value of a function at a particular value of its independent variables.

Explain

Provide additional information that demonstrates understanding of reasoning and/or application.

Familiar

Previously encountered in prior learning activities.

Identify

Establish or indicate who or what someone or something is.

Integrate

Combine elements.

Investigate

Plan, collect and interpret data/information and draw conclusions about.

Justify

Show how an argument or conclusion is right or reasonable.

Locate

Identify where something is found.

Manipulate

Adapt or change.

Non-routine

Non-routine problems: Problems solved using procedures not previously encountered in prior learning activities.

Reasonableness

Reasonableness of conclusions or judgements: the extent to which a conclusion or judgement is sound and makes sense

Reasoned

Reasoned argument/conclusion: one that is sound, well-grounded, considered and thought out.

Recognise

Be aware of or acknowledge.

Relate

Tell or report about happenings, events or circumstances.

Represent

Use words, images, symbols or signs to convey meaning.

Reproduce

Copy or make close imitation.

Responding

In English: When students listen to, read or view texts they interact with those texts to make meaning. Responding involves students identifying, selecting, describing, comprehending, imagining, interpreting, analysing and evaluating.

Routine problems

Routine problems: Problems solved using procedures encountered in prior learning activities.

Select

Choose in preference to another or others.

Sequence

Arrange in order.

Solve

Work out a correct solution to a problem.

Structured

Arranged in a given organised sequence.

In Mathematics: When students provide a structured solution, the solution follows an organised sequence provided by a third party.

Substantiate

Establish proof using evidence.

Succinct

Written briefly and clearly expressed.

Sustained

Consistency maintained throughout.

Synthesise

Combine elements (information/ideas/components) into a coherent whole.

Understand

Perceive what is meant, grasp an idea, and to be thoroughly familiar with.

Unfamiliar

Not previously encountered in prior learning activities.

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