Year 10 Science · AC9S10I01

Develop Investigable Questions, Hypotheses and Predictions

Strong scientific questions identify measurable relationships. A hypothesis proposes an evidence-based explanation, and a prediction states what should be observed if…

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Learning goalsSay it simply

Questions, predictions and hypotheses connect measurable relationships to an explanatory model.

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Questions identify measurable relationships or model tests.
  • Hypotheses include scientific reasoning.
  • Predictions follow logically from a hypothesis under stated conditions.
Key conceptTeach from the board

Learning sequence: Observe carefully → Define variables → Propose a mechanism → Predict a pattern

Core teaching

  • Questions identify measurable relationships or model tests.
  • Hypotheses include scientific reasoning.
  • Predictions follow logically from a hypothesis under stated conditions.

Key vocabulary and ideas

  • observation
  • question
  • variables
  • hypothesis
  • model-based prediction
Worked examplesWe do

Worked examples

AC9S10I01 - Develop Investigable Questions, Hypotheses and Predictions
Example 1

Worked reasoning model A trolley’s acceleration changes when added mass changes. Question: How does total mass affect acceleration under constant net force? Hypothesis: Acceleration decreases as mass increases because a = F/m.

Example 2

A trolley’s acceleration changes when added mass changes.

Example 3

Question: How does total mass affect acceleration under constant net force?

Example 4

Hypothesis: Acceleration decreases as mass increases because a = F/m.

Curriculum examplesCopied content

Australian Curriculum v9.0 — AC9S10I01: develop investigable questions, reasoned predictions and hypotheses to test relationships and develop explanatory models

Victoria — VC2S10I01, Levels 9–10: Levels 9–10 investigable questions, predictions and hypotheses. Victorian Science is banded across Levels 9 and 10, so the VC2S10 code identifies the band rather than a single school year.

NSW: Stage 5 Working scientifically — develops questions and hypotheses for scientific investigation (SC5-WS-02). Where NSW places the closest concept in another Stage or spreads it across focus areas, this page states that relationship rather than claiming a false one-to-one Year 10 equivalent.

Lesson componentAustralian CurriculumVictoriaNSW
Concept teaching + examplesAC9S10I01VC2S10I01SC5-WS-02
Practice + reasoningApplies the descriptor through explanation, evidence and transferLevels 9–10 achievement-standard depthStage 5/related Working scientifically expectations where applicable
Assessment + masteryChecks knowledge plus evidence-based applicationChecks band-level understandingChecks relevant NSW outcome intent without forcing equivalence
Questions and answersWith answers
What is the central idea?
Questions, predictions and hypotheses connect measurable relationships to an explanatory model.
What should a strong response do?
Use the sequence Observe carefully → Define variables → Propose a mechanism → Predict a pattern. Connect the evidence, mechanism or data to the claim.
What common trap should I avoid?
A prediction and hypothesis are identical: Use prediction for expected outcome and hypothesis for the reasoned explanatory relationship.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • A prediction and hypothesis are identical: Use prediction for expected outcome and hypothesis for the reasoned explanatory relationship.
  • A testable question must always be causal: Distinguish descriptive, relational and causal questions.

Keep the Year 10 boundary: Do not state causation from observational correlation alone. Do not force every inquiry into an ‘if–then–because’ sentence when another precise form is clearer.

  1. A student asks, “Which fertiliser is best?” Rewrite this as a testable Year 10 investigation question and hypothesis, defining what “best” will mean operationally.
  2. Evaluate the hypothesis “Plants grow better with music.” Identify why it is weak and rewrite it so the relationship can be tested.
  3. Develop an investigable question and reasoned prediction for a relationship between one physical variable and another, then justify your choice of variables.

Review hint: Use precise scientific vocabulary, show the relevant mechanism or evidence, and state any limitation or uncertainty when the evidence does not justify a stronger claim.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

Questions, predictions and hypotheses connect measurable relationships to an explanatory model.

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

  • Questions identify measurable relationships or model tests.
  • Hypotheses include scientific reasoning.
  • Predictions follow logically from a hypothesis under stated conditions.
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