Scientific Investigation Design

Name:

Date:

🔬 Part 1: Variables and Controls

1. Match each variable type to its correct definition:

Independent variable

Dependent variable

Controlled variable

What you measure or observe

What you deliberately change

What you keep the same

2. A student wants to test which type of rock is hardest. They scratch granite, limestone, and sandstone with the same nail. What is the independent variable?

The type of nail used

The type of rock being tested

The depth of the scratch made

The force applied when scratching

3. In the same rock hardness experiment, what should be controlled variables? (Select all that apply)

The size of rock samples

The type of nail used

The force applied when scratching

The person doing the scratching

4. Why is it important to control variables in a scientific investigation?

📋 Part 2: Investigation Planning

5. You want to investigate: "Which rock type absorbs the most water?" Complete your investigation plan below:

Research Question: ________________________________

Hypothesis: I predict that _________________ will absorb the most water because ________________________________

Independent Variable: ________________________________

Dependent Variable: ________________________________

Three Controlled Variables:

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

6. List the main steps of your method (at least 4 steps):

7. What equipment would you need for this investigation?

8. How would you make your results reliable?

Test each rock type only once

Repeat the test multiple times for each rock type

Use different sized rock samples

Change the amount of water each time

🧪 Part 3: Additional Investigation Planning

9. You want to investigate: "Which material is the best insulator?" Complete your investigation plan below:

Research Question: ________________________________

Hypothesis: I predict that _________________ will be the best insulator because ________________________________

Independent Variable: ________________________________

Dependent Variable: ________________________________

Three Controlled Variables:

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

🎯 Part 4: Reflection

10. Identify one potential source of error in your rock absorption investigation and suggest how to minimise it:

11. Explain why fair testing is essential in scientific investigations:

Scientific Investigation Design

Scientific Investigation Design

🔬 Part 1: Variables and Controls

📋 Part 2: Investigation Planning

🧪 Part 3: Additional Investigation Planning

🎯 Part 4: Reflection

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