Year 8 Science · AC9S8I02

Plan and Conduct Reproducible Investigations

A reproducible investigation records enough detail for another investigator to repeat the method and obtain comparable evidence safely and responsibly

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Key conceptTeach from the board

Use the chain question → variables → method → assumptions → risk/ethics/heritage checks → repeatable evidence. Reproducible does not mean every result is identical; comparable results may still vary naturally.

Record materials, quantities, equipment, sequence, timing, units and conditions. Changing more than one relevant factor creates alternative explanations.

An analogous model represents selected features. State what it represents and omits: dialysis tubing, a shake table and a baking-soda volcano are useful only within their assumptions.

A hazard can cause harm; risk combines likelihood and consequence. Ethical planning includes consent, privacy, voluntary participation and appropriate use of biological or secondary data. Fieldwork must respect heritage sites, artefacts and protocols on Country/Place.

Worked examplesWe do

Worked examples

AC9S8I02 - Plan and Conduct Reproducible Investigations
Example 1

List the independent, dependent and controlled variables.

Example 2

Add quantities, units and timing to an incomplete method.

Example 3

State one assumption and one limitation of a model.

Example 4

Match a hazard with a control and explain how the control lowers risk.

Curriculum examplesCopied content

Australian Curriculum v9.0 — AC9S8I02: plan and conduct reproducible investigations to answer questions and test hypotheses, including variables, assumptions, risks, ethics and heritage considerations on Country/Place.

Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 — Levels 7–8, VC2S8I02:Exact.

NSW Science 7–10 Syllabus (2023) — Stage 4, SC4-WS-03; SC4-WS-04:Exact — the NSW Working Scientifically outcomes directly align with the core inquiry process.

FrameworkLevel/StageRelationshipMapping
Australian CurriculumYear 8CanonicalAC9S8I02
Victoria V2.0Levels 7–8ExactVC2S8I02
NSW 2023Stage 4ExactSC4-WS-03; SC4-WS-04
Questions and answersWith answers
  1. What makes a method reproducible? Another investigator can follow its recorded materials, conditions and steps.
  2. What is an assumption? Something treated as true without being directly checked.
  3. Hazard or risk? A hazard can cause harm; risk considers likelihood and consequence.
  4. Why consider Country/Place? Scientific work must respect permissions, cultural protocols, heritage and appropriate methods.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
Reproducible means identical numbers. Correction: Comparable results can include normal measurement variation.
The independent variable should stay constant. Correction: It is the factor deliberately changed.
Low probability means no control is needed. Correction: A serious consequence can still justify a control.
Public data has no ethical limits. Correction: Privacy, consent, intended use and cultural protocols can still apply.
Curriculum alignmentStart here
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