The recurring fair-test investigation scaffold used across the whole unit (modelled on the SCSA Year 4 exemplar 'Fair test investigation template', Appendix A). A reusable, printable planning-and-recording template that walks students through the inquiry cycle: question, prediction, variables (change/measure/keep the same), risks, method, results table, graph, conclusion and evaluation. Belongs to the Working Scientifically inquiry component and is linked from every investigation lesson.
Use this template every time you plan and run an investigation. It helps you work like a scientist: ask a question, make a fair plan, collect data, and decide what it means.
The three parts of a fair test.
1. Question
What are you trying to find out?
2. Prediction
What do you think will happen, and why?
3. Variables
Write it here
I will CHANGE
I will MEASURE
I will KEEP THE SAME
4. Risks — how will we stay safe?
5. Method — what we will do (in order)
6. Results
What I changed
What I measured
Graph of my results (label the axes and add a title):
7. Conclusion — what did I find out?
8. Evaluation
Was it fair? Explain why. YES / NO
Was my prediction correct? Explain. YES / NO
Could it be better? How would I improve it next time?