Learning Area BIOLOGY

Level Form 4
CALA Type Research and experimental design
Syllabus Topic Chemicals of Life
Syllabus Sub-Topic Water
CALA Title Properties of water
Competence/Skills Research, Critical Skills, Experimental Design

Background: Water is one of the most important molecules in living organisms. It is

molecule that exhibits unique properties because of its chemical structure. Due to some of its
properties water forms a stable habitat.

CALA: This CALA contains 2 parts and you are required to answer both parts.

PART A
i. Design and construct a model of a water molecule and stick it to your answer script.
ii. Explain how water molecules stick together with the aid of a diagram.
PART B
i. Describe and carry out an experiment to investigate the behaviour of ice in water.
Record your findings.
ii. The density of ice is lower than that of water. Explain why it is advantageous to
organisms, in relation to its use as a habitat.

CALA TIPS

Consult internet and syllabus

Use ICT tools

Read your notes

HOW YOU WILL BE ASSESSED

To assess your CALA the teacher will consider your design and research on the structure and
properties of water.

An Achievement Standard specific to this CALA will be provided so that you are aware of
the assessment criteria.

LEARNER CALA GUIDE

CALA TITLE: Properties of water

SCHOOL:

LEARNER:

CALA CONTEXT

Water makes up 70% of living cells and 70% of the earth’s surface. The large bodies of water are a stable
habitat for many organisms. This stability is due to the unique properties of the molecule which include a high
specific heat capacity which allows for little change to occur when temperatures rise or drop.

MARK ALLOCATION

The CALA has 25 marks

The teacher will assess:
PART A
Your design and model of water [10 marks]
Drawing of the structure of water showing hydrogen bonding and explanation [15 marks]
PART B
Experimental design and findings on the behaviour of ice in water. [15 marks]
Advantages of the reduction in density when water freezes [5marks]
Submitting work on time [5 marks]

Assessment procedure

 Assessing design
 Awarding marks
 Assessing drawn structures and explanation