Required practicals (Paper 2)

Key steps (method)

• Know the aim, apparatus, and variables (IV/DV/control) for each required practical.
• Be ready to answer evaluation questions: uncertainty, errors, improvements.
• Write methods like a mark scheme: clear steps, repeats, and what to record.

Common mistakes

• Writing vague evaluation (“human error”) rather than specific measurement limits.
• Missing a key control variable.
• Not linking improvements to what they improve (accuracy / precision / validity).

Exam-style questions (quick)

1. Identify IV/DV/control variables for a given practical.
2. Suggest two improvements and explain how they reduce uncertainty.
3. Describe what results you’d expect if a variable is increased.

Revision links

• PMT practical skills: https://www.physicsandmathstutor.com/chemistry-revision/gcse-aqa/practical-skills
• GCSE Chemistry Practicals (YouTube playlist): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAd0MSIZBSsEygAZyDRkK0PgQZ6uiC98F