Year 9 Science • AC9S9I01 • Authored homework
Investigable Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses
Develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses that identify relationships between variables and can be tested with evidence. Use precise science language and support longer responses with clear reasoning.
Part A
Short-answer questions
What makes a question investigable in science?
Rewrite this as an investigable question: “Do plants like music?”
What is the difference between a prediction and a hypothesis?
Identify the independent variable in: “How does temperature affect dissolving time?”
Identify the dependent variable in: “How does light intensity affect plant growth?”
Name two controlled variables for testing how ramp height affects car speed.
Write a reasoned prediction for an investigation about exercise and heart rate.
Why should a hypothesis include a possible relationship between variables?
What type of evidence would help test a hypothesis about reaction time?
Correct this misconception: “A hypothesis is just a random guess.”
Part B
Long-answer questions
Turn a broad topic such as “phone use and sleep” into an investigable question, a hypothesis and a prediction.
For an investigation into fertiliser and plant growth, identify the independent variable, dependent variable and at least three controlled variables.
Write a strong hypothesis for temperature and dissolving rate, then explain the scientific reasoning behind it.
Compare two questions and decide which is more investigable: “Is exercise good?” and “How does 5 minutes of exercise affect heart rate?” Explain why.
Design three different investigable questions about one topic, then choose the strongest and justify your choice.
Explain why questions about opinions or values often need to be changed before they can be scientifically investigated.
A student predicts an outcome but gives no reason. Improve the prediction so it is evidence-based.
Create a planning table for a hypothesis-driven investigation, including variables, prediction, measurements and expected pattern.
Evaluate a hypothesis that changes two independent variables at once. Explain the problem and rewrite it.
Write a full investigation opening for one topic: aim, investigable question, hypothesis, prediction and variables.
Part C
Research and understanding task
Choose a real science issue or classroom topic and develop one high-quality investigation plan opening. Include background idea, investigable question, hypothesis, prediction, independent variable, dependent variable and controlled variables.