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Safe Investigation Planning

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Safe Investigation Planning

Help plan a safe investigation to find out whether salt makes ice melt faster. Read each scenario carefully. Choose safe actions and explain how to make a fair test.

Spot and prevent hazards

Think about what could cause harm, then decide how to reduce the risk.

1.The ice feels very cold, and salt water could drip onto the bench. Choose two sensible safety actions before you begin.

Wear safety glasses and keep paper towel nearby.
Taste the salt water to check it.
Leave drips on the floor until the experiment is over.
Ask the supervising adult for help if you are unsure.

2.A cup tips over and water spills near the bench. What should you do first?

3.Before using the cups and thermometer, explain one reason to make sure the equipment is clean.

4.Which item should you use to measure the temperature of the ice safely and consistently?

A thermometer
A sharp knife
Your finger
A drinking straw

Plan a fair investigation

A clear plan helps you answer a question safely and trust your results.

5.Write an investigation question you could use to find out whether salt affects how quickly ice melts.

6.In this investigation, what is the independent variable—the one thing you deliberately change?

Whether salt is added to the ice
The size of the cups
The amount of ice in each cup
The time you start the investigation

7.You place equal amounts of ice in two cups, add salt to one cup, and compare the cups as the investigation proceeds. What is the dependent variable—the result you measure?

8.Name two things to keep the same in both cups so the test is fair.

9.Put these steps in a safe order by writing the numbers 1–4 beside them: ___ Add the same amount of ice to two clean cups. ___ Ask the supervising adult to check your plan. ___ Add a measured amount of salt to one cup only. ___ Record what happens at regular intervals.

10.A classmate suggests tasting the salty water to decide which cup has salt. Explain why this is not a safe or useful test, and suggest a better way to check.