Q: What does the Planning & Risk Playbook cover? A: A reusable scaffold for MOE’s Planning descriptor-aim phrasing, variables tables, apparatus lists, data usage statements, and risk matrices-so H2 candidates unlock planning marks in Paper 3 Section B and Paper 4.
TL;DR Planning carries 4 % of Paper 4 and underpins Paper 3 Section B essay questions. Write concise, lab-ready plans: define the aim, justify apparatus, specify data handling, and log risks with control measures-all referenced to MOE’s 2025 syllabus.
1 | Why Planning matters
Paper 4 (50 marks, 2 h 30 min) allocates 4 % specifically to Planning, while Paper 3 Section B expects extended planning-style responses. Both weightings appear in the 2025 H2 Chemistry Scheme of Assessment (p. 140).
Planning evidence is assessed alongside MMO, PDO, and ACE; weak planning leads to unclear manipulation steps and patchy ACE commentary.
The 2026 SEAB specimen paper for H2 Chemistry 9476 Paper 4 illustrates the Planning section clearly-Question 1 begins with a structured plan prompt before any bench work, emphasising the need for risk assessments and data-usage statements you can reuse from this playbook.
A disciplined template saves time under exam conditions and signals to markers that you can deliver feasible investigations with safety controls.
Start with “To determine…” and mention underpinning principle (e.g., collision theory).
Variables table
Independent, dependent, controlled variables with how each is measured/held constant
Use a two-column list; include measurement instrument and precision for each variable.
Apparatus & reagents
Equipment list with justification (Class A tolerances, sensor selection) and reagent specifics (concentration)
Tie each apparatus item to precision or safety; specify molarity, purity, and volumes.
Method overview
Numbered workflow showing preparation, measurement, repetition, and timing
Keep steps concise; highlight calibration steps and repeats for concordance.
Data handling
Table/graph description, calculations, and uncertainty treatment
Mention spreadsheet functions or manual calculations; state equations you will apply.
Risk management
Hazards, likelihood, severity, and control measures
Present as bullet list or mini matrix; include PPE, engineering controls, and waste plan.
3 | Step-by-step procedure blueprint
Preparation. Describe cleaning/conditioning of apparatus (e.g., “Rinse burette with 0.100 mol dm⁻³ NaOH, purge air bubbles”).
Measurement routine. Specify sequence and timing (“Start timer when reagents mix; record volume every 15 s”).
Controls. Identify how controlled variables stay constant (“Maintain 25 ± 0.5 °C using a thermostated water bath”).
Repetition. State number of repeats and concordance criteria (“Collect three concordant titres within 0.10 cm³”).
Cleanup. Include safe disposal and apparatus reset (“Neutralise acid waste with sodium hydrogen carbonate; rinse glassware with distilled water”).
Labelling steps with verbs (Condition, Measure, Record, Repeat, Evaluate) helps markers see the logic quickly.
4 | Data usage declarations
Explain how raw data becomes evidence:
Tables: “Record initial/final burette readings to 2 dp; compute delivered volume and mean titre.”
Graphs: “Plot ln(rate) vs. ln([I−]) in Google Sheets; use the slope (=SLOPE) to obtain order.”
Calculations: “Use ΔH = −m c ΔT / n for calorimetry; propagate uncertainties using percentage addition.”
Uncertainty: Quote Class A tolerances, balance precision, and timing uncertainty. Note when uncertainties combine in quadrature vs. straight addition.
Mention digital tools explicitly (“Processed using Logger Pro to fit first-derivative curve; equation captured in PDO table”) so examiners know calculation steps are replicable.
5 | Risk assessment frameworks
Adopt a likelihood × severity matrix:
Hazard
Likelihood
Severity
Controls
0.200 mol dm⁻³ KMnO₄ (oxidiser)
Medium
High
Wear splash goggles and nitrile gloves; keep away from organic solvents; contain spills with sodium thiosulfate.
Concentrated ethanoyl chloride
Low
High
Work in fume hood, pre-measure using dry syringe, keep calcium carbonate neutraliser nearby.
Hydrogen gas during Mg + HCl
Medium
High
Use flame-free area, vent syringe safely, avoid sparks, keep fire blanket accessible.
Hot water bath (calorimetry)
Medium
Medium
Use tongs/heatproof gloves, label bath, keep cords clear, brief team on scald response.
End each risk statement with disposal (“Neutralise acidic waste before drain disposal; store MnO₂ residue in hazardous solids container”).
6 | Mini planning exemplars
a) Calorimetry (enthalpy of neutralisation)
Aim: “Determine ΔHₙ for HCl + NaOH at 25 °C using insulated cup calorimetry.”
Apparatus: Class A pipettes, 250 cm³ polystyrene cup, magnetic stirrer, digital probe (±0.1 °C).
Data handling: Apply q = m c ΔT, compute molar enthalpy, quote ±0.2 °C probe uncertainty.
Risk: Corrosive acids/alkalis, hot solutions-gloves, apron, spill kit.
b) Iodine clock kinetics
Aim: “Investigate order with respect to iodide by measuring time to blue-black endpoint.”
Method: Prepare premix, start timer upon mixing, stop when starch indicator turns blue, repeat across iodide concentrations.
Data: Calculate rate as 1/t, plot log–log graph, derive order from slope.
Risk: Iodine stains-use lab coats, sodium thiosulfate for cleanup.
c) Qualitative analysis sequence
Aim: “Identify cation/anion combination in an unknown salt using QA table.”
Method: Follow MOE QA Annex tests, heat gently, record observations with descriptive colour language.
Risk: Release of gases (NH₃, SO₂)-work in fume hood, have litmus paper ready to confirm, ventilate.
Each exemplar ends with a sentence on how results will feed ACE (e.g., “Compare theoretical ΔH with data booklet value; comment on heat losses and propose insulation improvements.”).
7 | Self-checklist before submitting a plan
Aim states measurable outcome and theory link.
Variables table covers measurement tools and precision for each variable.
Apparatus list justifies Class A glassware or sensors.
Procedure is sequenced, timed, and repeat-ready.
Data usage explains calculations, graphs, and uncertainties.
Risks list hazards, controls, and disposal steps.
Print the checklist (or recreate it in your notes app) to run through under timed practice.
