Scientific Investigation Approaches

Name:

Date:

🔬 Part 1: Investigation Types

1. Which type of scientific investigation would be BEST for answering this question: "How does the amount of sunlight affect plant growth?"

Classifying and identifying

Pattern seeking

Fair testing

All approaches are equally suitable

2. A scientist wants to group different types of native New Zealand birds based on their physical features. This is an example of:

Fair testing

Pattern seeking

Classifying and identifying

Variable control

3. Which of the following are essential for a fair test investigation? (Select all that apply)

Changing only one variable at a time

Keeping controlled variables constant

Using classification keys

Recording accurate measurements

Looking for patterns in data

4. Complete this sentence: Pattern seeking investigations are useful when we want to _________________ between different factors or variables.

Pattern seeking investigations are useful when we want to _________________ between different factors or variables.

🧪 Part 2: Designing Investigations

5. You want to investigate: "Which surface allows a toy car to travel the furthest distance?" Design a fair test by identifying the variables:

Independent variable (what you will change): _________________________

Dependent variable (what you will measure): _________________________

Controlled variables (what you will keep the same):

6. A student collected this data about temperature and ice cream sales:

Temperature (°C): 15, 20, 25, 30, 35

Ice cream sales ($): 50, 80, 120, 180, 250

What pattern can you identify?

7. Create a simple classification key for these New Zealand native plants based on their leaf characteristics: Pohutukawa, Kauri, Cabbage tree, Manuka

📊 Part 3: Investigation Planning

8. Choose ONE investigation approach and plan a simple investigation you could conduct at school. Include your research question and brief method.

Investigation approach chosen: ____________________________

Research question:

Brief method (3-4 steps):

9. Explain why it's important to control variables in a fair test investigation:

Scientific Investigation Approaches

Scientific Investigation Approaches

🔬 Part 1: Investigation Types

🧪 Part 2: Designing Investigations

📊 Part 3: Investigation Planning

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