Year 7 Science • AC9S7I02
Homework & Investigation Homework
Plan reproducible investigations by matching methods to hypotheses, identifying variables and assumptions, managing risks and ethics, and respecting heritage responsibilities and local protocols on Country/Place.
Part A • Core worksheet
Planning an investigation
- Write a testable hypothesis for an investigation of your choice.
- For “Increasing the amount of fertiliser will increase plant height”, identify the independent variable, dependent variable and three controlled variables.
- Explain why controlled variables matter in a fair test.
- Identify two assumptions when measuring water temperature with a digital thermometer and explain how one incorrect assumption could affect results.
- Write a reproducible four-step method to test “Sugar increases the rate of yeast fermentation.” Include measurements and repeats.
- Identify two hazards in a heating investigation and give one control for each.
- Explain one ethical issue when investigating living organisms and how the method should minimise harm.
- Explain what you should do if you notice a possible First Nations artefact or heritage site during fieldwork.
- Explain one benefit of collaborating with a local First Nations community or organisation in an ecosystem investigation and one protocol that should be agreed before fieldwork.
- For “Does water temperature affect the dissolving rate of sugar?”, identify IV, DV, three controls, one assumption, one risk/control pair, and two reproducible method steps.
Part B • Extended response
10 deeper questions
- Explain why a scientific investigation must be reproducible.
- Describe independent, dependent and controlled variables using a temperature-versus-dissolving example.
- Discuss why assumptions must be identified and how an incorrect assumption can affect validity.
- Explain four ways a vague method can be improved to increase reproducibility.
- Describe the importance of risk assessment and give two hazard-control examples.
- Explain one ethical issue involving living things and how it should be managed.
- Discuss why First Nations heritage sites and artefacts must be protected during field investigations.
- Explain the value of collaborating with First Nations communities in ecosystem investigations.
- Evaluate how uncontrolled variables can affect the validity of an investigation.
- Explain how peer review of another student’s method can improve investigation design.
Part C • 5-mark questions
Five exam-style responses
- 5 marks: Explain why identifying independent, dependent and controlled variables is essential for a valid investigation.
- 5 marks: Describe the importance of recognising assumptions and explain how incorrect assumptions can affect results.
- 5 marks: Explain how risk identification and management contribute to safe and effective investigations.
- 5 marks: Discuss why reproducibility matters and describe two ways to improve reproducibility in a student-designed method.
- 5 marks: Explain why First Nations heritage sites and artefacts must be protected during scientific investigations on Country/Place.
Part D • Enriched
10-mark investigation question
Evaluate how collaboration with First Nations Australians can improve the design, ethical considerations and outcomes of ecosystem investigations. In your answer, discuss co-design, local ecological knowledge, permissions/protocols, heritage protection, how knowledge will be used, and how outcomes can be mutually beneficial.