PracticeQuestionsYears 1–7
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Scientific enquiry and fair tests

Year 6 · Upper Key Stage 2 · KS2 WS — Plan enquiries, recognising and controlling variables

Draft — awaiting teacher review

Builds on: Light and shadows (Year 3)

I

Concept Anchor

The independent variable is what you change. The dependent variable is what you measure. Control variables are kept the same so the test is fair.

Worked example

Does the height of a ramp affect how far a car travels?

  1. 1.Independent: ramp height.
  2. 2.Dependent: distance travelled.
  3. 3.Controls: same car, same surface, same release method.
  4. 4.Repeat readings to improve reliability.
II

Guided Check

Amir tests whether the amount of water affects plant growth. Name two control variables.

    III

    Independent Diagnostic Practice

    Q1Year 6KS2 WS — Variables·Fluency·●○○Draft — awaiting teacher review

    Priya tests how the temperature of water affects how quickly sugar dissolves. What is the independent variable?

    Q2Year 6KS2 WS — Fair testing·Reasoning·●●○Draft — awaiting teacher review

    Why should a test be repeated three times?

    Q3Year 6KS2 WS — Interpreting data·Problem Solving·●●●Draft — awaiting teacher review

    Readings: 12 s, 13 s, 31 s, 12 s. What should a scientist do?