Students learn to identify independent, dependent and controlled variables, explain what makes a test fair and why scientists repeat trials. They then work with a results table from a paper helicopter investigation: calculating an average, spotting an outlier, choosing a graph type, writing a hypothesis and writing a conclusion supported by the data.
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Curriculum: New Zealand Curriculum. We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.
Completed: Variables, Fair Tests and Drawing Conclusions
Year 8 students (typically ages 12–13) working on working scientifically. It is pitched at level 2 · standard; an easier version is linked above.
Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.
About 35 minutes for 17 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.
No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.
Try Drawing and Interpreting Graphs in Science.
Success TutoringWorksheetsYear 8 · Science · Working ScientificallyName
Date
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Ask three questions of any investigation: What did they change? What did they measure? What did they keep the same?
Circle the type of variable described.
A variable is anything that can change in an investigation.
The independent variable is the one you change on purpose. The dependent variable is the one you measure or observe, because it may depend on the change you made. Controlled variables are everything else that could affect the result, so you keep them the same.
A test is fair when only the independent variable changes. Then any difference in the dependent variable can be linked to that one change.
Scientists repeat each test (usually at least three trials) and calculate an average. Repeating makes results more reliable and helps you spot an outlier, a result that does not fit the pattern.
Write T for true or F for false.
Use the results below to answer the questions.
Investigation: Does the wing length of a paper helicopter affect how long it takes to fall to the floor?
Each helicopter was made from the same type of paper with one paperclip attached, and was dropped from a height of 2 m. The same student timed every drop with a stopwatch.
Results — time to fall (seconds)
Wing length 4 cm: trial 1 = 1.2, trial 2 = 1.4, trial 3 = 1.3, average = 1.3
Wing length 6 cm: trial 1 = 1.7, trial 2 = 1.6, trial 3 = 1.8, average = 1.7
Wing length 8 cm: trial 1 = 2.1, trial 2 = 2.3, trial 3 = 2.2, average = ?
Wing length 10 cm: trial 1 = 2.6, trial 2 = 2.5, trial 3 = 2.7, average = 2.6
Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.
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