Year 9 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 1
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Odd one out
Circle the item that does not belong in each group. Then explain why it doesn't fit in the answer column.
| # | Group | Your answer (odd one + reason) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Independent variable Dependent variable Controlled variable Favourite variable | |
| 2 | Does drop height affect bounce? Does salt change boiling time? Which sport is most fun? Does light affect plant height? | |
| 3 | Specific Measurable Feasible Based on personal opinion | |
| 4 | Enough time Right equipment Safe and ethical Sounds impressive |
Evaluate the question
A student proposes...
"For my project I will test whether listening to classical music for one hour a day for the next three years makes a person more intelligent. I will measure intelligence by asking my friends if they feel smarter, and I will use 40 participants from around the world who I will fly in each week."
(a) Identify at least three separate reasons this proposal is not investigable for a school project. Refer to time, equipment or participants, and how intelligence is measured.
(b) The student says "asking my friends if they feel smarter" counts as measuring intelligence. Explain why this is not a reliable measurable variable, and suggest a better one.
(c) Rewrite the student's idea as a single investigable question that could realistically be done in your classroom in one lesson. State the variable you would change, the variable you would measure, two variables you would control, and why your version is feasible.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?