Science Investigations

Different types of Scientific Enquiry

Fair testing

 Eg. relationships between variables. Cause and effect.

Surveys and patterns in data

• Eg. where variables cannot readily be controlled by us.
• Data relating to diet or tooth decay.

Classification

 Eg. materials, properties and related uses.

Exploring and observing over time

 Eg. changes in frog-spawn

Problem solving (D and T link!)

 Eg. Using properties of materials data to help design a type of  switch.

Investigating a model

• Eg. reconciling real observations with the predictions from a scientific theory or model.

A fun way to investigate _____________________________?

1. Make a paper roll tube
2. Attach paper ‘ears’
3. Release from a height
4. Observe

What next?

Properties and uses of material

Describing materials and building up vocabulary
Appropriate science words
I spy materials
Observations (using our senses) - careful or you’ll miss it!
Classification
Unusual properties
Investigation starting points
Developing an investigation for your science class

Forces

Is paper a weak or strong material?
Strength testing
Stretchy materials
Rough or smooth?
Magnetic strength

Magnetic materials

Selecting appropriate materials for a magnetic game - eg.’fishing’.

Light

Investigating optical properties of materials
Selection of appropriate materials based on properties
Design and make a puppet theatre

Electricity

Components and circuits
Testing materials
Design of a switch
A fun spelling test (in Morse code)

Sound

Sonorous materials
Sound effects
loudness
pitch - cause and effect

Use of ICT

Data logging
Data analysis - graphs etc.

An Investigation proforma

Investigation title:

What I am trying to find out:

What I will change (the independent variable):

What I will measure or observe (the dependent variable):

What I will keep the same (the controlled variables):

Plan and diagram

step 1.
step 2.
step 3. etc.

Results or observations in a table

Discussion of results

Suggestions for improvements to the method of investigation

Suggestions for further things to investigate

PM session with year 4 students

4 different FORCES investigations running simultaneously with groups changing periodically

FRICTION

STRETCHING

MAGNETIC FORCE

STRENGTH OF PAPER TUBES

Your challenge:

Make an assessment of the ability of as many students as possible to understand the ‘fair test’ concept.

Develop one of the investigations further and write a lesson plan for delivery.

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