Physical inquiry 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 interpret a circuit diagram to decide whether a bulb will glow with different settings of two switches.

Task: Answer two questions about judging model aeroplanes. Assessment focus: reading tables.

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

Task: interpret data from a table and complete two calculations. The context is balancing a see-saw. Assessment focus: using a scientific formula to identify trends.

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 use stimulus material to answer a number of questions relating to temperature change in materials which are at different distances from a heat source.

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.

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.

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

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

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

This practical task requires students to record temperatures of various areas in the school and to suggest reasons why some areas are warmer or cooler than others.

This practical task requires students to use a plastic comb and wool to generate static electricity. Students investigate different materials to find those that are attracted to the static charge.

In this practical task students predict, and then measure the temperature of water from a range of familiar sources.