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Year 11 · 2017 syllabus · Module 1 pilot

Variables and testable hypotheses — Apply worksheet

Original practice. Write explanations that distinguish observations, evidence and claims.

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Name: __________________________ Date: ______________

Question 1

A baseline plant group gets less water than the treatment group. Diagnose the issue.

Question 2

Write a hypothesis linking ramp angle to travel time.

Question 3

Explain why a control group cannot compensate for a different measuring instrument in each group.

Teacher answer key — 3 questions

Model responses identify the essential ideas. Accept scientifically correct alternatives that address the question; wording need not match exactly.

  1. Water is an alternative influence on growth and differs across groups, confounding the treatment comparison. Make water supply consistent unless it is the factor being investigated.
  2. Increasing ramp angle within a safe defined range will reduce mean travel time over the fixed distance, with the same car/release method. Accept another testable predicted direction.
  3. Instrument differences can create a response difference independent of treatment. Use the same calibrated method or demonstrate comparability.