Investigating in science resources

Task: Students differentiate between simple observations and inferences, and between observations that require measurement and those that do not. Assessment focus: observing scientifically.

Task: Dictate what is observed from viewing a video clip of a monarch butterfly emerging from a chrysalis (answering a specific question), and sequence some photographs in the correct order. Assessment focus: observing and describing.

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.

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: students, in small groups, discuss a concept cartoon about rolling cans, before making a prediction about which will roll further. Assessment focus: making predictions about friction.

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.