Fair tests, results and conclusions

For grown-ups: this lesson in words

Years 3 to 6 · Science

Fair tests, results and conclusions: I can plan a fair test, record the results and say what they show.

1. Scientists ask questions. Then they choose the best kind of enquiry to answer each one.

   "Which ball bounces highest?" needs a fair test. We compare the balls and keep everything else the same.

   "How does a sunflower change?" needs observing over time. We look at the same plant again and again.

   "Do tall people have big feet?" needs pattern seeking. We look for a link in lots of results.

   Picture: Sorting into 3 groups: Fair test, Observing over time, Pattern seeking. Fair test: Which ball bounces highest? (ball). Observing over time: How does a sunflower change? (sunflower). Pattern seeking: Do tall people have big feet? (foot).

2. Here are two more kinds of enquiry.

   "Which minibeasts have 6 legs?" is identifying and classifying. We sort the minibeasts into groups.

   "Which tree is this leaf from?" is identifying too. We look closely at the leaf and name the tree.

   "Where do penguins live?" needs research. We look up the answer in books.

   Picture: Sorting into 2 groups: Identifying and classifying, Research. Identifying and classifying: Which minibeasts have 6 legs? (ladybird), Which tree is this leaf from? (autumn leaf). Research: Where do penguins live? (pile of books).

3. Your turn: Priya wants to see how her bean plant changes each week for a month. Which kind of enquiry is this?

   Choose one:

   • Fair test
   • Observing over time
   • Research

   Answer

   The answer: Observing over time

   Watching the same plant change each week is observing over time.

Words to know

enquiry:

A way of finding out the answer to a science question.

fair test: