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The thicker the substance, the less viscous (runny) it is.

Investigations 03

KS2 Science investigations encourage pupils to ask questions, make predictions, and test ideas. Discover how careful observations can lead to amazing scientific discoveries.

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Fascinating Fact:

Some of the most famous scientific discoveries, such as gravity and electricity, began with simple investigations and careful observations.

In KS2 Science, pupils learn how investigations help scientists explore the world. By predicting outcomes, testing ideas, and recording results, children discover how evidence leads to new knowledge.

Key Terms

Observation: Watching or measuring something carefully to collect information.
Prediction: Saying what you think will happen in an investigation before testing it.
Evidence: Facts and results gathered from an investigation that support conclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

Why do scientists make predictions in investigations?

Predictions guide the investigation by suggesting what might happen, helping scientists design fair tests to check their ideas.

What is an observation in science?

An observation is when you use your senses or measuring tools to notice and record details about what is happening in an investigation.

How do investigations lead to discoveries?

Investigations provide evidence that can confirm or challenge ideas, leading to new knowledge or even major scientific breakthroughs.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

You have built a catapult as part of an investigation of forces. Changing the mass (weight) of the object you place in the catapult could test which of the following?

If weight affects the distance the object is propelled

If weight affects the force of gravity

If weight affects the force contained in the catapult

All of the above

You could see if different weights are thrown further, shorter or equal distances

2 .

Using a catapult to investigate whether weight affects the distance the object is propelled, what would you need to measure in order to collect results?

The mass of the materials used to make the catapult

The aerodynamic properties of the objects

The distance each object travels

The force contained in the catapult

The most practical measurement would be distance travelled. It would be very difficult to measure how long it took the object to land

3 .

If you were investigating how well water dissolves different materials, how should you design the investigation?

By testing three different materials and changing the temperature of the water

By testing three different materials and seeing how much of each material would dissolve

By seeing if different materials would raise the temperature of the water

By seeing if different materials would change the colour of the water

We are investigating how well water dissolves different materials so we are only interested in how much of each material is dissolved

4 .

If you were investigating how well water dissolves different materials, you would need to add solute (the material being dissolved) until the water reached what point?

Saturation point

Boiling point

Freezing point

Dissolving point

A solution is saturated when it can no longer dissolve any new matter

5 .

If you were investigating how well water dissolves different materials, what would you measure?

The temperature of the water

The time it takes the solute to dissolve

The number of times the solution has to be stirred

The amount of each solute which can be dissolved

We are looking at how well a material is dissolved in water, so the best way to find out is to see how much of it can be dissolved

6 .

What unit would you use to measure the amount of a solute which can be dissolved in water?

Centimetres

Degrees Celsius

Grams

Decibels

Grams measure weight or mass so they are the best unit to use

7 .

If you were investigating the viscosity ('runny-ness') of different substances, which of the following could you do?

Test three different substances by allowing them to 'run' down a surface

Test three different substances by allowing them to 'run' down three different surfaces

Test three different substances by letting them 'run' down cold, warm and hot surfaces

Mix the three different substances together and make observations

Remember that if you change two variables (substance and surface temperature), you will no longer have a fair test

8 .

If you were investigating the viscosity ('runny-ness') of different substances by allowing them to 'run' down a surface, what variable would you measure?

The density of the substances

The temperature of the surface

The time taken to 'run' down the surface

How far the substances must 'run' down the surface

Viscous (runny) substances will flow down the surface faster than less viscous ones

9 .

Which unit would you use to measure the time substances take to 'run' down a surface?

Millilitres

Seconds

Degrees Celsius

Grams

Time is measured in seconds, minutes or hours

10 .

Which one of the following could be a conclusion for an investigation into the viscosity (runny-ness) of substances?

Viscous substances are really slow

The thicker the substance, the less viscous (runny) it is

Thin substances are not viscous

The ketchup took the longest to run down the plastic chopping board

Conclusions will usually include words like 'more' or 'less', or words ending in '-er': i.e. 'The colder the temperature, the more slowly seeds germinate'

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Working scientifically

Author: Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)