Investigating in science resources

This task requires a hyacinth bulb to be set up in a glass container. As it develops and grows students make observations.

This practical task consists of two parts. Students test various substances with hydrochloric acid, iodine solution, and universal indicator, and then complete a table with their observations. The second part requires students to identify four unknown solids using their tests and results from part one.

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

Students indicate for each of six different variables those that need to be kept the same for an investigation about dissolving different types of sugar.

Students use a table of information on melting points and boiling points of six different substances to answer questions about states of matter.

The liquid range for four common substances has been provided. Students use this to answer questions about melting point, boiling point, and state.

This practical assessment requires students to design and carry out tests on three properties of four different fabrics in order to find the most suitable fabric for the stated purpose.

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.

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.

Students evaluate a fair test about whether salt or sugar solution dissolves faster.

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

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 are given an outline of an investigation on heat loss from two different shaped objects (a cube and a sphere). They answer questions on variable control, repeat trialling, and they then graph data from this investigation.

Students are given an outline of an investigation on metal corrosion and a graph of some results. Students' ability to interpret the graph and knowledge of fair testing is assessed via short answer questions.

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

Students interpret a table of data in order to answer four questions on the properties of five different types of paper.

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

Students answer one question about diet given the type of beak that birds have. Students are also asked about how scientists might investigate information about moa.

Task: Describe what happens to ice in a glass of water, giving reasons, and explain where water forming on the outside of the glass comes from. Assessment focus: changes of state.

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.

Students carry out and make observations about water in a straw, and suction. Students are then required to explain their observations.

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.

Students label six diagrams as an element, compound, or mixture.

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.

Students compare drawings of a healthy and unhealthy plant and decide which quantitative and/or qualitative data distinguishes them. They draw conclusions from the data. This is a mathematics/science resource.