Fair testing resources

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

Task: Students make predictions about evaporation rates of instances where surface areas are a factor, select which variable is being investigated in both examples and explain their answer. Assessment focus: Using knowledge of surface area to make predictions.

Students predict how a cube will travel when flicked in different positions, and conduct an experiment to see what happens in practice.

Students state what things will affect how far a cube will travel when flicked in the middle with a ball-point pen, and conduct an experiment to see what happens in practice.

Students are asked one multiple-choice and one short answer question about fair testing.

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

Students read a passage about a proposed fair test and then list four variables that need to be controlled.

Task: Select cards to show how to control the variables of an investigation into the rolling distance of marbles on different surfaces. Assessment focus: controlling variables.

Task: select a card to show how to control the variables of an investigation into the rolling distance of marbles on different surfaces. Assessment focus: controlling variables.

Task: Identify the variables for testing how fresh water and salt water affect rusting. Assessment focus: planning a fair test.

Students look at two diagrams. The first shows iron nails in test tubes with boiled water or tap water, the second shows iron nails with moisture either present or absent. Students answer five questions about these investigations.

From a diagram of an experimental set up, students answer questions based on fair testing principles. Questions cover the control of variables, and measurement of results.

Task: Identify which variables should be kept the same to compare reaction times. Assessment focus: control of variables.

Select the correct pair to set up a fair test. Assessment focus: controlling variables.

Students decide on the variables that will make an experiment about boiling water a fair test. Assessment focus: Recognising multiple variables.

For this practical task students plan and carry out a fair test to determine which of four different cups will keep water the hottest over 10 minutes. Students are also required to graph their results and write a conclusion.

This practical task requires students to plan and carry out a fair test to find out which paper type will soak up water the best.

Students read some information about testing the absorbency of different papers. They outline two features that need to be kept the same if the tests were to be fair.

Students answer five questions about 'fair testing' for an outlined investigation.