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Example |
Type of activity |
|
Class builds a scale model of the solar system |
This is really a number of methods of investigation. Students need to access data from secondary sources, complete a ‘design and make’ activity to construct a model. |
|
ABC Science, Elephant’s toothpaste |
This is really just a teacher demonstration, not an investigation. It could be used to emphasise the need to follow safety procedures. There is no design element in the investigation, just a ‘make’ by following steps. It could be modified by varying the quantities of yeast, detergent or the size and shape of the bottle. You could even test other foods (liver and potato also work) to see if they produce the same effect. |
|
TryScience, Lung Capacity |
This is a ‘make’ activity that could be turned into a ‘fair test’ investigation – ‘Do boys have a larger lung capacity than girls the same age and size?’ |
|
ABC Science, Catchment Detox |
This is a simulation that is really based on ‘using a model’. A model does not have to be a physical representation, but can be represented as a game, a formula, an analogy or visually. |
|
ABC Science, Mobile Phone disco |
This is an activity to make a model of the ear drum. Students could also do information research about properties of different sounds and then see if they can use the model to test predictions. |
|
TryScience, Aluminium boats |
This activity is a ‘fair test’ in that the only difference between the two situations is the shape of the aluminium foil holding the coins. Results are hardly unpredictable. |
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SunSmart Millionaire, Different materials |
This activity is an example of a ‘fair test’. The time the beads take to change colour is measured (dependent variable), the different materials are the independent variable and everything else is kept the same. |