Investigating in science resources

For this practical task students are assessed on their ability to observe changes that have occurred to 'popping' corn before and after it is heated. Drawings and written observations are required.

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.

This practical task investigates the effect of temperature on the rate at which corn pops. Students collect data and make a conclusion.

Describe methods for speeding up and slowing down melting of an ice cube using one of three provided objects, and explain why the methods would work. Assessment focus: planning an investigation.

This practical task requires students to describe to a partner their observations about an ice cube melting. Students then develop questions about what they observe.

This practical task requires students to make observations of the changes that occur in five common foods as they are cooked.

This practical task assesses students' ability to record and graph data, and draw conclusions, as they conduct an experiment on the rate at which an ice cube melts in different temperatures.

For this practical task students complete a table of observations for the following substances: vinegar, baking soda, and vinegar and baking soda mixed together.

For this practical task students follow a plan to determine the effects of a weak acid on different building materials. Students need to put their results into a table and write a conclusion.

For this practical task students follow a plan to determine the best temperature for the reaction of rennet with milk. Students need to make observations and write a report on their findings.

Plan an investigation to find out which of two students' predictions is correct, and identify how to recognise what a result would look like. Assessment focus: identifying what to measure or compare to answer a science question.

Students identify which substances undergo a permanent change when they are mixed together.

Students explain two ways to make salt dissolve faster when in cold water.

For this practical task students record their observations as an egg is poached in water.

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.

This practical task requires students to use methods of separation to separate a mixture of salt, sand, and iron filings. Students explain how they did this and the property of the substance that they used.

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.

Task: Match everyday terms about properties with their meanings. Use their understanding about properties of paper and their uses to justify appropriate questions to investigate. Assessment focus: asking questions about paper properties.

Task: Students fill in a chart to select the best material for making 6 objects, and give reasons for their answers. Assessment focus: properties of materials related to use.

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.