Gather and interpret data resources

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 are provided with a fact file on the tuatara. Students answer four questions that are based on information contained in the fact file.

Students give two pieces of information a scientist could learn from placing bands on the legs of birds.

For this practical task the entire class is involved in an outside activity that looks at camouflage and warning colouration. Students then share their results and answer a number of questions.

Students give two reasons why it is an advantage for a porcupine fish to inflate its body and have its spines stick out when it is in danger.

Students explain how two armoured reptiles' adaptations protect them from being eaten by predators.

Students use pictures of different types of parakeets to identify distinguishing features. NOTE: This resource needs to be used in colour.

Students explain two features of insects and explain how the wings differ between a fly and a butterfly.

Task: Look for the similarities and differences in leaf patterns to answer questions about observations and evidence.

Task: Look for similarities and differences in fruit to answer questions about observation and evidence.

For this practical task students are given a variety of objects which they are required to make observations on by using their senses.

Reading text to find information about how scientists work. Assessment focus: interpreting information about how scientists work.

For this practical task students investigate some features of craters, complete a table, and explain what they found out. Students then use a diagram showing some craters on the Moon to write as much information as they can about these craters.

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

Task: Select which state of water applies to a list of places where water can be found. Assessment focus: states of water.

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 on nine common materials. Students then use their results to group the materials according to similar properties.

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.

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

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

Task: Process and interpret data in a table to identify the best paper to use for a game. Evaluate the reliability of the collected data. Assessment focus: using evidence to answer a question.

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.

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: Look at the arrangement of fibres for four different paper towels, arrange an appropriate sequence of instructions, carry out the instructions and then communicate the data in an appropriate graph that will help answer the question. Different elements of the nature of science are embedded throughout the tasks. Assessment focus: planning and carrying out a fair test, using evidence to answer a question.

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.