Control variables are variables that are kept the same throughout an investigation.

A variable is something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in a comparative or fair test.

A microorganism is a very tiny living thing.

An antiseptic is used to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

An astronomer is a scientist who studies the night sky, including stars and planets.

How scientists work

Science

In this Properties, changes and separating materials unit, pupils learn to decide how mixtures might be separated, including through filtering, sieving and evaporating. In the Materials challenge unit, they will build on this knowledge to apply their understanding of separating materials to a wider range of everyday situations

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils learnt to compare and group together a variety of everyday materials on the basis of their simple physical properties. In this Properties, changes and separating materials, pupils will build on this knowledge to compare an group together everyday materials on the basis of a wider variety of properties

Properties, changes and separating materials

They control variables within investigations.

They make and record many observations and look for patterns in their data.

Variables that are changed in an investigation.

Variables that are not included in an investigation.

Variables that are kept the same in an investigation.

What did Sarah Gilbert’s tests result in? 

True or false? There are some types of investigations where some, but not all, variables can be controlled.

Using instruments in satellites in the oceans.

Using instruments in satellites on Earth. 

Using instruments in satellites in space.

How does the space scientist Maggie Aderin–Pocock make her observations? 

are often able to control variables in their investigations.

are unable to control variables in their investigations.

Match the type of scientist to how they work with variables.

A person who helps bring new life into the world. 

A person who keeps people safe and well in the world.

A person who finds answers to questions about the world by doing experiments.

Which of the following describes a scientist? 

The night sky, including stars and planets.

Star signs and predictions of the future.

Something that can be changed, measured or kept the same in an investigation.

Something that should never be changed in an investigation.

Something that can get hotter or colder in an investigation.

If you control a variable, what do you do to it? 

are things which you notice using your senses.

are statements describing what you think will happen.

are statements describing what the results mean. 

Match the following key words to their description.

What is at the centre of our solar system? 

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

How scientists work

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.