Physical World resources

Task: Plan a fair test to see which of two solar showers of different colours heats up more. Assessment focus: controlling variables.

For this practical students make observations on water flow from three holes set at different heights in a container. They also investigate the effect on water flow if the top is on or off the container.

Students first do the science activity Throwing balloons 3 or Throwing balloons 4 where they predict, observe, and explain what will happen when a balloon containing another balloon filled with water is thrown. Then the students do this resource's writing task where they describe the balloon and what happens when it is thrown, and explain why they think it moved the way it did. Six annotated exemplars of student scripts (writing) are included under the "Working with Students" tab.

Task: Look for the similarities and differences in how students draw graphs to display information.

Students answer five questions interpreting data on temperature decrease in three different types of cups.

For this practical task students investigate the magnetic fields that exist around a horseshoe magnet. Students then use two bar magnets to investigate what happens when similar and unlike poles are facing each other.

Students are given stimulus material on the stopping distance of a toy car released from different heights. Students write an aim, the best way to present the results, identify the measurement required in order to calculate the average speed, and write a conclusion for the investigation.

Using the principles of fair testing, students identify four factors that could affect the time it takes for electric jugs to boil water.

This practical task requires students to follow instructions for making a 'green fridge' to determine its efficiency. Students collect and record data from their investigation and answer questions.

Students complete tables of energy use.

This whole investigation requires students to find out how spring stretch is affected by different masses pulling on it. There is also a section for planning a similar investigation and a processing section using some provided data.

This practical task requires students to plan, process, and evaluate an investigation on types of fruit and the voltage that each can produce.

For this practical students are required to investigate how the use of pulleys affects the effort force needed to raise a load. Students gather results, write a conclusion, and describe two situations in which a pulley system would be useful.

Students are provided with information and data on different makes of soccer balls. Students answer questions on fair testing, and write conclusions from the given data.

Students construct three different sized parachutes from plastic bags. They then carry out a fair test to see which sized parachute is the most effective. Students answer questions about fair tests, collect and record their results, and make a conclusion.

This practical task requires students to follow an experimental design that investigates various forms of insulation. They are required to gather results, make a conclusion, and identify the variables.

Task: Answer two questions about variables in an investigation about insulation and complete a graph. Assessment focus: fair testing.

Task: Investigate mass required to lift a small rock when changing distance from pivot. Assessment focus: levers.

Task: Predict whether given objects will float, investigate, then record and explain results. Assessment focus: flotation.

Task: Use a diagram to match shadows to a time of day. Assessment focus: shadows.

Task: Answer two questions about setting up a fair test and another about insulating houses. Assessment focus: controlling variables.

Task: Identify the position of the sun and the time of day when the shadows shown is formed. Assessment focus: shadows.

Task: Answer two multiple choice questions. Assessment focus: managing variables.

Task: Use displacement to measure volume. Assessment focus: displacement.

Task: Identify patterns in a table and suggest ways to make a toy travel further. Assessment focus: interpreting data; energy; forces.