Vanuatu STRAND 1:

Science In Action
Developing Science
Inquiry Skills
Vanuatu Strand 1: Science In Action
1. Questioning and predicting

2. Planning and conducting

3. Processing and analysing data and information

4. Evaluating

5. Communicating

Conducting Science Investigations Requires Science Inquiry

Skills
http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/science/science1.htm
 Science investigations
Are activities in which ideas, predictions or hypotheses are tested
and conclusions are drawn in response to a question or problem.

Can involve a range of activities including:

experimental testing
locating and using information sources

field work
conducting surveys

using modelling and simulations

http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/science/science1.htm
 Science Investigations
1. Questioning and predicting
What are you going to investigate?

1. Write the testable question, one that can be investigated.

2. State the variables for this investigation.

• What will I change (independent variable)?
• What will I measure (dependent variable)?
• What will I keep the same (controlled variables)?

What do you think will happen?

3. Write a prediction for the investigation and explain why you think this will happen.
http://www.primaryresource.co.uk/science/science1.htm
 Science Investigations
2. Planning and conducting
1. List the equipment required for the investigation.

2. Describe at least 2 safety risks and/or ethical issues in this investigation and suggest how
they can be managed or controlled.

3. Write the method for this investigation. Include how the variables will be changed,
measured and controlled.

4. Draw a labelled diagram in the space below or provide a digital representation of the
equipment set-up.

5. Describe your observations and record your results in a table. Your table should include a
descriptive title containing dependent and independent variables, appropriate column with
headings and units of measurement if needed and data accurately recorded
 Science Investigations
3. Processing and analysing data and information
Can your results be presented as a graph?

1. Graph the results of the investigation. Provide a title and label each of the axes including
appropriate units.

What do your results tell you?

2. Outline the relationships or patterns in the results.

3. Explain the relationships or patterns in the results using relevant science concepts.

4. Write a conclusion for this investigation. Support your conclusion using data from the
investigation and explain any differences between the outcome and your predictions.
 Science Investigations
4. Evaluating

1. State at least two difficulties experienced when conducting this investigation and describe
how the difficulties experienced were or could be overcome.

2. How could you improve this investigation eg fairness, accuracy?

5. Communicating
Use scientific literacy skills to communicate findings and ideas.
• scientific terminology,
• tables, graphs, diagrams and models,
• chemical symbols, equations and
• units with measurements.