Our AICE Marine Science Practice Tools will help you prepare for the practical skills portion of the AICE Marine Science Exam. These skills focus on experimental design, data handling, and analysis, requiring you to plan experiments (variables, controls, replicates), collect & present data (graphs, tables), interpret results, evaluate procedures (identifying errors, improvements), and apply the scientific method, including fieldwork, lab techniques (measuring pH, salinity), and understanding sampling methods.
For the 2026 AICE Marine Science exams, “practical skills” refer to the investigative and analytical competencies assessed under Assessment Objective 3 (AO3): Experimental skills and investigations. These skills are primarily tested in Paper 2 (AS Level) and Paper 3 (A Level).
This page is meant to assist the student in preparing for the “Data Analysis & Interpretation” sections of the test. This where student will be:
- Performing calculations (means, percentages).
- Interpreting trends and patterns in graphs and tables.
- Identifying anomalous results and understanding their impact.
- Using statistical tests like Spearman’s rank correlation, Simpson’s Index of Diversity, and the Lincoln Index for estimating population size.
AICE Marine Science Practice Tools
For these statistical analysis, I’ve created the following practice tools:
AICE Marine Science Maths Review
The 9693 syllabus includes a short appendix called mathematical requirements. In plain terms, you should be comfortable with decimals and standard form, percentages and ratios, finding averages, working out rates, and handling significant figures and units with care.
Determining the Strength of Relationships
Spearman’s Rank is a statistical analysis that can be used to determine whether a correlation exists between two variables. For example, between the distribution of a species and some other biotic or abiotic factor.
Comparing Biodiversity
Simpson’s Diversity Index is a measure of diversity. In ecology, it is often used to quantify the biodiversity of a habitat. It takes into account the number of species present, as well as the abundance of each species.
Estimating Population Sizes
One common method for estimating population sizes is called the capture-mark-recapture method. With those values, a statistical method referred to as the Lincoln Index can then be used to estimate a population size for that particular environment.
If you need more help, here is the textbook from Cambridge Press:
