📚 Year 11 SQA Science: Case Study Practice | 十一年级 SQA 科学：案例分析实战演练
Case studies are a central part of SQA Science assessment, whether you are tackling National 5 assignments or preparing for end-of-unit problem-solving tasks. They test your ability to apply scientific knowledge to real-world scenarios, analyse data, and communicate findings in a structured report. This guide walks you through every stage of the case study process, from understanding the brief to polishing your final submission.
案例分析是 SQA 科学评估的核心组成部分，无论是完成 National 5 课程作业还是应对单元末的问题解决任务，这些案例都在考察你将科学知识应用于现实情境、分析数据并以结构化报告呈现发现的能力。本指南将带你走过案例分析的每一个步骤，从理解任务要求到打磨最后的提交版本。
1. What Is a Case Study in SQA Science? | 什么是 SQA 科学案例分析？
In the SQA Science framework, a case study is an extended piece of work that asks you to investigate a scientific issue, often linked to health, the environment or industrial applications. You are expected to research background theory, interpret data, draw conclusions and evaluate the reliability of the information you use.
在 SQA 科学体系中，案例分析是一项拓展性作业，要求你探究一个科学议题，通常涉及健康、环境或工业应用等领域。你需要研究背景理论、解读数据、得出结论并评估所用信息的可靠程度。
A typical case study might present you with data about the effect of a pollutant on a local ecosystem, or ask you to evaluate the evidence for a new medical treatment. The key skill is not just recalling facts but showing how science helps solve real problems.
典型的案例分析可能会给出某种污染物对当地生态系统影响的数据，或者要求你评估一种新疗法的证据。关键技能不是简单地回忆知识点，而是展示科学如何帮助解决真实问题。
Your final output usually takes the form of a written report, often accompanied by graphs or tables. The structure matters as much as the science, because SQA markers look for clarity, logical flow and appropriate use of scientific terminology.
你的最终成果通常是一份书面报告，往往配有图表。结构与科学内容同样重要，因为 SQA 考官看重表述清晰、逻辑流畅以及科学术语的恰当使用。
2. Understanding the Assessment Criteria | 理解评分标准
Before you write a single word, familiarise yourself with the marking scheme. SQA case study marks are typically allocated across sections such as ‘Aim and Background’, ‘Data Collection and Presentation’, ‘Analysis’, ‘Conclusion’ and ‘Evaluation’. Each of these outcomes has specific requirements for depth and accuracy.
在动笔之前，先熟悉评分方案。SQA 案例分析的分数通常分布在“目的与背景”、“数据收集与呈现”、“分析”、“结论”和“评估”等部分。每一项评分标准都对深度和准确性有具体要求。
For example, the ‘Analysis’ section might require you to identify trends, use calculations (such as percentage change or averages) and link findings back to scientific principles. Skipping any of these elements will cost you marks, even if your report reads well.
例如，“分析”部分可能要求你识别变化趋势、使用计算（如百分比变化或平均值）并将发现与科学原理联系起来。即使报告读起来不错，遗漏其中任何一项都会丢分。
| Assessment Section | What You Need to Show |
|---|---|
| Aim and Background | Clear research question, relevant scientific context |
| Data and Presentation | Accurate table, correctly labelled graph |
| Analysis | Trends, calculations, explanation using science |
| Conclusion | Valid inference related to aim |
| Evaluation | Limitations, reliability, suggestions for improvement |
Mark schemes also reward the correct use of units, such as cm³, g, ms⁻¹ or °C, and the inclusion of a risk assessment if practical work is involved. Check the SQA subject specification for the exact weighting.
评分方案还会奖励单位的正确使用，如 cm³、g、ms⁻¹ 或 °C，以及若涉及实验操作需包含风险评估。请查阅 SQA 科目大纲以了解详细的权重分配。
3. Choosing Your Topic and Framing the Aim | 选择主题与设定目标
Your case study must begin with a clear, focused aim. Avoid overly broad statements like ‘I want to find out about pollution.’ Instead, narrow it down to something measurable: ‘To investigate the effect of copper sulfate concentration on the germination rate of cress seeds.’
案例分析必须以清晰、聚焦的目标开始。避免“我想研究污染”这类过于宽泛的表述，而应缩小到可测量的范围：“探究硫酸铜浓度对水芹种子发芽率的影响”。
The aim should include the independent variable (what you change), the dependent variable (what you measure) and, where appropriate, controlled variables. This not only guides your practical work but also tells the marker you understand the scientific method.
目标应包含自变量（你改变的变量）、因变量（你测量的变量）以及适当情况下的控制变量。这不仅能指导你的实验操作，也向考官表明你理解科学方法。
If your case study is based entirely on secondary data, your aim should still be specific, such as ‘To analyse the correlation between atmospheric CO₂ levels and global temperature rise from 1950 to 2020 using published datasets.’ Always check with your teacher that the scope is manageable for a Year 11 assignment.
如果你的案例分析完全基于二手数据，目标仍需具体，例如“使用已发布的数据集分析 1950–2020 年间大气 CO₂ 浓度与全球温度上升的相关性”。务必与老师确认，研究范围对于十一年级作业来说是可行的。
4. Building Scientific Background Knowledge | 构建科学背景知识
Your background section shows that you understand the science behind the investigation. This is where you explain key concepts, such as enzymes, diffusion, greenhouse effect or chemical bonding, depending on your topic. Use reliable sources like textbooks, scientific journals or trusted websites.
背景部分展示你对探究背后的科学原理的理解。你需要在此解释关键概念，如酶、扩散、温室效应或化学键合，取决于选题。使用教科书、科学期刊或可信网站等可靠来源。
For a case study on the effects of acid rain on limestone buildings, you would need to write about pH, neutralisation reactions and the equation CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂. Make sure to include word equations and symbol equations where relevant.
对于酸雨对石灰岩建筑影响的案例分析，你需要撰写 pH、中和反应以及方程式 CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂ 等内容。确保在合适的地方附上文字方程式和符号方程式。
Paraphrase information rather than copying large chunks of text, and always link back to your aim. The background should read like a concise mini-textbook chapter that sets the scene for your own investigation.
要改写信息而不是直接复制大段文字，并且时刻回扣你的研究目标。背景部分应像一篇简洁的小教材章节，为你的探究做好铺垫。
5. Designing Your Data Collection | 设计数据收集
Whether you carry out an experiment yourself or analyse secondary data, you must describe your method clearly enough for someone else to repeat it. Include apparatus, measurements, time intervals, and the number of repeats you performed. For secondary data, explain how you selected the datasets and which variables were extracted.
无论你亲自做实验还是分析二手数据，都必须足够清晰地描述方法，以便他人可以重复。包括仪器、测量值、时间间隔以及重复次数。对于二手数据，则说明你如何选取数据集以及提取了哪些变量。
A well-structured results table is essential. The independent variable goes in the left-hand column, and the dependent variable (or repeated measurements) in the columns to the right. Use headings that include units, e.g. Time (s) or Mass (g), and calculate averages where appropriate.
设计良好的结果表格必不可少。自变量放在左侧列，因变量（或重复测量值）放在右侧列。表头需包含单位，如 Time (s) 或 Mass (g)，并根据需要计算平均值。
For secondary data analysis, you might construct a table comparing different sources or time periods. Always reference where the data came from, as this is part of the evaluation of reliability.
对于二手数据分析，你可能需要构建比较不同来源或时间段的表格。一定要注明数据出处，因为这属于可靠性评估的一部分。
6. Presenting Data as Graphs and Charts | 用图表呈现数据
Graphs turn raw numbers into patterns that are easy to interpret. In SQA science case studies, you will most often use line graphs for continuous data (e.g. temperature over time) and bar charts for discrete categories (e.g. different concentrations of a solution).
图形能将原始数据转化为易于解读的模式。在 SQA 科学案例分析中，你通常会使用折线图表示连续数据（如温度随时间变化），使用柱状图表示离散类别（如不同浓度的溶液）。
Every graph must have a title, labelled axes with units, and properly plotted points. When drawing a line of best fit, do not simply connect the dots; decide whether a straight line or a curve is more appropriate based on the scientific context.
每张图都必须有标题、带单位的标注轴以及正确的描点。绘制最佳拟合线时，不要简单地将点连接起来；应根据科学背景判断直线还是曲线更合适。
If you are using software like Excel, be careful with default settings. Adjust axis scales so that data points fill at least half the graph area, and avoid 3D effects that distort interpretation. A clean, 2D graph is always preferred.
如果使用 Excel 等软件，务必注意默认设置。调整坐标轴刻度，使数据点至少占据图表区域的一半，并避免使用会扭曲解读的 3D 效果。整洁的二维图始终是首选。
7. Analysing Data and Identifying Trends | 分析数据与识别趋势
In the analysis section, you move beyond describing the graph to explaining what the data means. Point out any significant trends, such as ‘As fertilizer concentration increased from 0% to 5%, the mean height of seedlings rose from 3.2 cm to 8.7 cm, after which growth declined sharply.’
在分析部分，你需要超越描述图表本身，开始解释数据的含义。指出任何显著的趋势，例如“随着肥料浓度从 0% 增加到 5%，幼苗的平均高度从 3.2 cm 上升到 8.7 cm，之后生长急剧下降”。
Perform calculations to support your analysis. For instance, calculate the percentage change between two data points or determine the rate of reaction using the formula Rate = 1 ÷ time. Present these calculations clearly, showing your working.
进行计算以支持分析。例如，计算两个数据点之间的百分比变化，或使用公式 Rate = 1 ÷ time 确定反应速率。清晰展示这些计算过程，并写出步骤。
Use scientific principles to explain the trends. If discussing enzyme activity, mention denaturation at high temperatures. If analysing population data, consider predator-prey relationships. The stronger the link between theory and your findings, the higher your marks will be.
运用科学原理来解释趋势。如果讨论酶活性，需提及高温下的变性。如果分析种群数据，则要考虑捕食者-猎物关系。理论与发现之间的联系越强，得分就越高。
8. Drawing Valid Conclusions | 得出有效结论
Your conclusion must directly answer the aim of the case study. Do not introduce new information here; simply state whether your data supports or rejects the hypothesis, and quote key figures to justify your statement.
结论必须直接回答案例分析的目标。不要在此引入新信息；只需说明你的数据是支持还是否定了假设，并引用关键数据来佐证你的陈述。
For example: ‘The results show that cress seed germination decreases as copper sulfate concentration increases, with 0% germination at 10 mM, confirming the toxic effect of copper ions on plant growth.’ Avoid vague language like ‘it sort of worked’.
例如：“结果表明，随着硫酸铜浓度的增加，水芹种子的发芽率下降，在 10 mM 时发芽率为 0%，证实了铜离子对植物生长的毒性作用。”避免使用“它好像起作用了”这类模糊措辞。
Remember that a negative result is still a result. If your data contradicts your initial prediction, you can still score high marks by acknowledging it honestly and suggesting scientific reasons for the outcome.
请记住，阴性结果也是结果。如果数据与最初预测相矛盾，你仍可通过诚实承认并给出科学解释来获得高分。
9. Evaluating Reliability and Limitations | 评估可靠性与局限性
Evaluation is where you reflect on how trustworthy your findings are. Consider sources of error, such as imprecise measuring equipment, small sample size or environmental conditions that could not be controlled. Be specific: ‘The thermometer measured to the nearest ±0.5°C, which could affect calculated rate values.’
评估环节是你反思研究结果可信度的地方。考虑误差来源，如测量仪器精度不足、样本量小或无法控制的环境条件。要具体：“温度计精度为 ±0.5°C，这可能会影响计算出的速率值。”
For secondary data, evaluate the credibility of your sources. Were they peer-reviewed journals, government databases, or commercial websites? Comment on potential bias and whether the data collection methods were described in enough detail.
对于二手数据，要评估来源的可信度。它们是同行评审期刊、政府数据库还是商业网站？要评论潜在偏见以及数据收集方法是否描述得足够详细。
Suggest realistic improvements. Instead of just saying ‘do more repeats’, explain how increasing the number of trials from three to ten would improve the reliability of the mean and reduce the impact of anomalous results.
提出切实可行的改进措施。不要只说“增加重复次数”，而要解释将试验次数从三次增加到十次将如何提高平均值的可靠性并减少异常值的影响。
10. Referencing and Academic Integrity | 引用与学术诚信
Plagiarism is taken very seriously by SQA. Every fact, diagram or data point you take from another source must be cited. Use a simple referencing system such as a numbered list in the text or author-date in brackets, and include a full reference list at the end of your report.
SQA 对抄袭十分重视。从其他来源引用的每一个事实、图表或数据点都必须标注出处。使用简单的引用体系，如文中用编号列表或括号作者-日期格式，并在报告末尾附上完整的参考文献列表。
For online sources, record the full URL and the date you accessed the information. Even if you paraphrase, you must still acknowledge the original author. A good rule of thumb is: if the idea did not come from your own experiment, cite it.
对于在线资源，记录完整的网址和访问日期。即使进行了改写，也必须注明原作者。一条实用的经验法则是：如果想法并非来自你自己的实验，就要引用。
Most schools provide a referencing guide; follow it consistently. Using tools like ZoteroBib or asking your teacher for a preferred style can save time and prevent accidental plagiarism.
大多数学校会提供引用指南，请始终遵循。使用 ZoteroBib 等工具或向老师询问推荐的格式，可以节省时间并防止无意间抄袭。
11. Case Study Walkthrough: Water Purification | 案例分析示范：水的净化
To pull everything together, imagine you are given the following brief: ‘Investigate how effective different filtering materials are at removing sediment from water.’ Your aim might be ‘To compare the clarity of water after passing through sand, activated charcoal and cotton wool.’
为了将以上内容融会贯通，设想你收到这样一个任务：“研究不同过滤材料去除水中沉积物的效果。”你的目标可以是“比较流经沙子、活性炭和棉花的处理后水的清澈度”。
Your background would cover concepts such as porosity, adsorption, and the importance of clean water. The method would describe pouring a fixed volume of muddy water through each filter and measuring light transmission with a light sensor or a homemade turbidity scale.
背景部分会涵盖多孔性、吸附作用以及清洁水的重要性等概念。方法部分则描述将固定体积的泥水倒入每种滤料，并用光传感器或自制浊度标尺测量透光率。
You would present a table of light intensity readings, plot a bar chart, and calculate the percentage reduction in turbidity. In the analysis, you could explain that activated charcoal performs best because of its high surface area and ability to trap fine particles.
你会展示一张光强度读数表格，绘制柱状图，并计算浊度降低百分比。在分析中，你可以解释活性炭表现最佳是因为其高表面积和捕捉微小颗粒的能力。
Your evaluation might note that cotton wool compacted unevenly, and that repeating each test three times would give more reliable averages. The conclusion would state which material worked best, linking back to the aim.
评估部分可能指出棉花压实程度不均匀，以及每种测试重复三次会得到更可靠的平均值。结论会说明哪种材料效果最好，并紧扣研究目标。
12. Time Management and Final Checks | 时间管理与最终检查
A typical SQA case study is completed over several weeks, not in one night. Break the task into milestones: choose a topic in the first week, collect data by the second, write the analysis by the third, and reserve the final week for editing and proofreading.
一次典型的 SQA 案例分析通常需数周完成，而非一个晚上。将任务分解为里程碑：第一周选题，第二周收集数据，第三周完成分析，最后一周用于修改和校对。
Before submitting, check against the marking criteria using a highlighter. Have you included units? Are your axes labelled? Is the background linked to the aim? Did you cite sources? A systematic checklist can catch small errors that add up to lost marks.
提交前，用荧光笔对照评分标准逐一检查。是否包含了单位？坐标轴标注了吗？背景知识与目标挂钩了吗？引用来源了吗？一份系统的检查清单可以揪出那些导致累积扣分的小错误。
Peer review can be extremely helpful. Ask a classmate to read your report and flag anything unclear. Often, a fresh pair of eyes spots gaps in logic or missing elements that you have overlooked after staring at the document for days.
同伴互评非常有用。请一位同学阅读你的报告并标出任何不清楚的地方。一双新鲜的眼睛往往能发现你在反复查阅文档后忽略的逻辑漏洞或缺失环节。
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