Topic Three (1.3): Planning investigations

Topics Icon.png Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to: 

  • describe how to write a plan for an investigation 
  • understand how to use simple measuring equipment. 

You might also be able to: 

  • take accurate measurements. 

Introduction Icon.png Introduction

Understanding how to write and follow a scientific method is very important for producing a set of accurate and reliable results. You will learn how to choose and correctly use measuring equipment in practical activities and think about why it is important to take each measurement three times.

Interact Icon.png Working through your coursebook

  • Begin by reading pages 12-13 of Activate 1. 
  • Watch this video:  

WATCH - WS1 Mini clip 4: Planning investigations (Kerboodle) Links to an external site.  

  • When you plan an investigation, you need to consider what equipment or apparatus you are going to use. Although you will not be doing experiments in a laboratory, it is good to make sure that you are familiar with the equipment used in laboratories:  

DOWNLOAD & READ - Scientific Equipment (twinkl) [Not available on sample course]

    • On pages 12 and 13 of your coursebook, Kate and Tom want to write a plan for their scientific investigation. Read through their plan, then come up with your own plan for an investigation you can do like Kate and Tom’s. The question is: Does the temperature of a ball affect how high it bounces? 
  • In Topic 1.4, you will do this investigation, so think about your method and what equipment you will need. If you haven’t got a metre ruler, how could you measure the bounce differently? 
  • To help you answer this, have a look at the questions below the link.

COMPLETE - Planning Worksheet (pages 1 and 2) Download COMPLETE - Planning Worksheet (pages 1 and 2)

  • How will temperature affect the bounce? 
    • Can you predict what will happen? 
    • Are there any hazards and can you do something to reduce the risk of them causing harm? 
    • What variables do you need to control? 
    • Can you plan your experiment? In an ideal world, you would look at at least five different temperatures, but you may only be able to collect data for two or three temperatures.

Review Icon.png Review

Have a go at Summary Questions 1-3 on page 13 of Activate 1. 

COMPLETE – (Question 4) Working Scientifically Vocab Builder 1 (Kerboodle) Links to an external site. 

Bridge Icon.png Support activity for this topic

If you are unsure what laboratory equipment looks like you can watch the video below (don't worry about the burette - this is something that is used in IGCSE Chemistry).

Download Icon.png Check your answers

CHECK - Student Book Answers - Working Scientifically (Kerboodle) [Not available on sample course]

CHECK - Planning Worksheet - Specimen Answer (pages 1 & 2 Download CHECK - Planning Worksheet - Specimen Answer (pages 1 & 2