How to score FULL Marks for QCAA Maths Methods PSMT IA1?

If you are currently struggling to ace the QCAA Maths Methods PSMT IA1 task right now, look no further. In this article, I will break down the task, and give you my best tips on how to ace it.

What is IA1?

The IA1 is your first internal assessment for Maths Methods. It is a Problem Solving and Modelling Task (PSMT). The PSMT tasks are generally based on differentiation and integration topics from Year 12.

The assessment will propose a situation that you have to make a mathematical model for, and then you will need to use this model to estimate or predict an outcome. The goal to test your ability to apply the mathematical concepts learned in class to a practical real life example.

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How to Complete the Assignment?

1. Understand the Task

• Make sure you read your task sheet carefully. Your teacher will list everything you are required to do within this document.
• Pay special attention to the topic the task is based on, and make sure that you understand its real-world implications.
• Highlight and underline key information in your assignment sheet.
• Look at the marking criteria to know exactly what requirements you have to hit.

2. Scaffold your report and Plan

• Check the due dates and plan to have a good draft to hand in to your teacher for feedback. I recommend focusing on one stage (i.e. formulate, solve, evaluate and verify, and communication (conclusion)) a day.
• Start with an introduction that outlines the task that will be achieved in the report.
• If your teacher hasn’t told you how to structure your report, it is a good idea to separate the sections based on the dot points in the ISMG. For example, list your assumptions and observations under separate headings so the marker knows exactly what they are looking at.

3. Make your Observations

• Read the task again and highlight anything that stands out to you.
• Observations are often requirements that the model must adhere to, such as a certain measurement.
• Look for all the values you are given in the task description.

4. Make your Assumptions

• Assumptions are not listed on the task sheet. Instead, you have to come up with these on your own.
• Assumptions are often based on how realistic the model needs to be.
• You can use Google to find a real-life value that you can base further calculations on. Remember to reference this.
• To score well, you need to have at least three quality assumptions.

5. List the Mathematical Concepts, Techniques and Technology

• List all the formulas and theories you expect to use in your calculations to solve the problem.
• For technology, if you are graphing functions, use Desmos. If you are simulating something or making many calculations at once, use Excel (or another spreadsheet program like google sheets).

6. Reference the ISMG

• Always refer back to the ISMG, and ensure you' have hit all the requirements. Do this from the moment you start working on the report.
• Read through your report and ask yourself whether your work has the high-level characteristics outlined, such as “Did I document appropriate assumptions?”

7. Ensure your Model Works

Sometimes, the result of your model is unrealistic, or you may not get the most ideal outcome. That is okay, you can:

• Have a second model in your PSMT to show your markers that you have more depth, and understand the original task.
• With a second model, you are also able to show your knowledge of a larger variety of mathematical concepts by using another equation or theory.
• Keep the first model in your report to show your evaluation of the result.

8. Have a Good Conclusion

• Discuss the reasonableness, strengths and limitations of your final model.
• The conclusion does not have to be very long, but it should include an explanation of the models used and the outcome.
• Ensure you answer the task sheet question, and refer back to the introduction.

Final tips and tricks

1. Have an Appendix

• An appendix is useful for any extra content.
• For example, if you are repeating a calculation over and over again, you can put the first calculation in the report and the rest in the appendix.
• This shows the marker that you know what you’re doing, but also doesn’t waste your precious space or words.

2. Ask Questions

• Ask questions and listen to what your teacher says about the task, especially if the task seems vague or not fully explained.
• Teachers will often tell you what they expect to see in a top-scoring report, such as a certain format or the number of assumptions.

3. Word Limit

• If you’re struggling with too many words, use tables to organise and explain calculations
• You can also strategically list improvements and extensions.

4. Evaluate your Model

• The main differences between a top-scoring report and an average one are the complexity and accuracy.
• You need to be mathematically justifying your decisions, evaluating the results and accurately solving the problem.
• It is important to not just get the ‘right’ answer, but to constantly evaluate and look for improvements and extensions to your model.

Conclusion

Ultimately, this task does not have a ‘right’ answer. The marker is looking for evidence of your critical thinking, justified decision making, and ability to test and evaluate solutions.

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FAQs

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for QCAA Maths Methods, Specialist Maths, Physics and Chemistry, Anushka Haydon. Anushka is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering. You can view Anushka’s profile here and request her as a tutor.

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