Year 2 Science · AC9S2I05

Compare observations with predictions and others’ observations, consider if investigations are fair and identify further questions with guidance

After an investigation, students compare predictions with observations, compare records with others, decide whether the procedure was fair and identify what could be…

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Learning goalsSay it simply

After an investigation, students compare predictions with observations, compare records with others, decide whether the procedure was fair and identify what could be explored next.

Learning sequence: Compare → Check fairness → Explain difference → Ask next question

Success looks like

  • Compare prediction and result
  • Compare observations
  • Evaluate fairness
  • Explain differences
  • Pose further questions
Key conceptTeach from the board

Compare prediction and observation honestly

PredictionObservationsunny cup dries firstsunny cup dried first

A prediction can be supported or not supported; both outcomes provide useful evidence.

Check whether the test was fair

one factor changedsame amountsame timesame measuring method

Differences in method can explain different observations.

Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

AC9S2I05 - Compare observations with predictions and others’ observations, consider if investigations are fair and identify further questions with guidance
Example 1

prediction result paper A absorbs more paper B absorbs more

Example 2

same cups different water different time fair?

Example 3

share records → notice difference → check method

Example 4

Prediction check Compare a written prediction with the recorded result and state whether it was supported. prediction result paper A absorbs more paper B absorbs more

Curriculum examplesCurriculum examples

The content description and elaborations below show the curriculum ideas taught in this unit. Items marked as teaching context support lesson planning.

  • Content description: compare observations with predictions and others’ observations, consider if investigations are fair and identify further questions with guidance
  • E1: comparing their observations of changing shadow length across the day with their predictions and the patterns observed by others
  • E2: comparing observations of sounds with those of others and considering if we all sense sound in the same way
  • E3: proposing ways to ensure that the same sound is produced in an investigation in order to keep the investigation fair
  • E4: comparing findings from investigations about physically changing a material, such as cutting and folding, and exploring questions that investigate similar changes to different materials
Questions and answersWith answers

Key idea: After an investigation, students compare predictions with observations, compare records with others, decide whether the procedure was fair and identify what could be explored next.

Remember

  • Compare prediction and result
  • Compare observations
  • Evaluate fairness
  • Explain differences
  • Pose further questions

Quick questions

  • What if a prediction is not supported?
  • Name one fair-test feature.
  • Why compare with others?
  • Give a useful next question.

If an answer is uncertain, return to the model and explain what each part represents before calculating or drawing a conclusion.

Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • Changing the result to match prediction — Record what actually happened.
  • Calling every difference an error — Differences can come from method, measurement or real variation.
  • Fairness checked too late — Plan fairness before testing and review it afterward.

Read the topic guide and use the teacher slide for instruction. Students can then use the worksheet for written work, open Practice for supported feedback, or take the Test when they are ready.

Curriculum alignmentStart here

After an investigation, students compare predictions with observations, compare records with others, decide whether the procedure was fair and identify what could be explored next.

Learning sequence: Compare → Check fairness → Explain difference → Ask next question

Success looks like

  • Compare prediction and result
  • Compare observations
  • Evaluate fairness
  • Explain differences
  • Pose further questions
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