Questions, Enquiry Types and Planning
Section: Thinking and Working Scientifically | Syllabus: Cambridge Primary Stage 5 Science (0097)
Questions and Five Enquiry Types
- A good scientific question is clear, answerable and linked to evidence.
- There are five main types of scientific enquiry, and the type of question usually points to the best type of enquiry to use.
| Enquiry type | What it does | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Research | Uses reliable secondary sources | Find which gases are in air |
| Fair testing | Changes one variable and controls the others | Test how string length affects pitch |
| Observing over time | Records changes at intervals | Watch seeds germinate each day |
| Identifying and classifying | Sorts using observable features or tests | Group materials as magnetic or non-magnetic |
| Pattern seeking | Looks for a relationship without controlling every variable | Compare flower colour with visits by insects |
Predictions and Fair Tests
- A prediction says what you think will happen in an enquiry and uses scientific knowledge to explain why.
- In a fair test, only one factor is deliberately changed so that any effect on the result can be trusted
- the independent variable is the one factor that is changed
- the dependent variable is what is measured or observed as a result
- control variables are every other factor that could affect the result; they are kept the same so the comparison is fair
A fair test changes only the independent variable and keeps control variables the same
Risks and Precautions
- A hazard is something that can cause harm, such as hot water or a sharp object.
- A risk describes what harm could actually happen because of a hazard.
- A precaution is an action taken to reduce the chance or seriousness of harm.
| Hazard | Risk | Precaution |
|---|---|---|
| Hot water | Burning skin | Use heatproof gloves and let an adult pour |
| Unknown solution | Splashing eyes or skin | Wear eye protection and gloves |
| Scissors | Cutting a hand | Cut away from the body while seated |
Question: Sofia tests how the length of an elastic band affects its pitch. State the independent variable, dependent variable and one control variable. [3]
Find what Sofia changes: the length of the band. Find what she measures: the pitch produced. Choose something else that could affect pitch and keep it the same, such as thickness or tension. AnswerIndependent variable: length of the elastic band. Dependent variable: pitch. Control variable: thickness of the band (or the same tension and plucking method).
Common Mistakes
MistakeCalling every quantity a control variable.
FixThe changed quantity is independent, the measured quantity is dependent, and only the kept-same quantities are controls.
Interactive revision notes, videos and practice questions load below.