CHAPTER 17

17.1 Starting an
investigation
Student: .......................................................................................... Class: ....................................... Date: ....................

For her student research project, Ellise decided to investigate the following problem:
Problem: What brand of potting mix will produce the best growth for her parsley plants?
1. Write the aim of Ellise’s investigation.
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2. The next step involves developing a hypothesis. Before she developed her hypothesis, Ellise
went to the garden shop to find out what types and prices of potting mix were available. She
found the following were available:
• Marvel’s Rich Loamy Potting Mix ($6/kg)
• Bertram’s Potting Mix with Peat Moss ($5/kg)
• AAA Black Loam with Minerals ($6.50/kg)
• House Brand Potting Mix ($3.50/kg)
• Stu’s Enriched Potting Mix with Snail Repellent ($8/kg)
She also noticed that bulk black soil was available at a price of $2/kg.
Write a suitable hypothesis. Remember that a hypothesis is a fairly general statement.
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3. Ellise was now able to make a prediction. She knew that the prediction must be a more specific
statement. Write a suitable prediction that can be investigated.
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4. Identify the independent and dependent variables in the investigation that Ellise will undertake
to test her prediction.
Independent variable: ....................................................................................................................
Dependent variable: .......................................................................................................................
5. Identify the control that Ellise will use in her investigation.
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6. Identify the other variables that need to be controlled.
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© John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd Core Science Stage 4 Student Worksheets