Year 8 Science • AC9S8I06 • Authored homework
Test the Method and the Claim
Analyse methods, conclusions and claims for assumptions, bias, uncontrolled variables and evidence strength. Show reasoning in full sentences where useful, and check calculations or conclusions before finishing.
Part A
Short-answer questions
What is an assumption in an investigation?
What is bias in data collection?
Why can a small sample weaken a claim?
What is an uncontrolled variable?
Why should conclusions match the evidence collected?
Give one sign that a claim may be exaggerated.
What is the difference between evidence and an advertisement claim?
Why is peer review useful?
How can funding or personal interest influence a claim?
Write one question you would ask before trusting a science claim.
Part B
Long-answer questions
Evaluate this claim: “This drink improves concentration because five students felt better after drinking it.” Identify weaknesses.
A method has no control group, shuffled attempts and a vague measurement. Explain how these flaws affect the conclusion.
Compare a strong evidence-based claim with a weak claim based on opinion. Use examples.
Analyse a product claim about cleaning, health, fitness or energy use. What evidence would you need?
Explain how confirmation bias could affect how a student records observations.
Rewrite a weak conclusion so it accurately reflects limited evidence.
Describe how a fairer method could test whether music affects plant growth.
Explain why one surprising result should lead to more testing, not an immediate strong claim.
Evaluate whether a news headline about science gives enough information to judge the evidence.
Create a checklist for testing the quality of a scientific claim.
Part C
Research and understanding task
Choose one science-related claim from an advertisement, news headline or social media post. Identify the claim, evidence provided, missing evidence and your judgement.