Week 3
How can I investigate a simple machine?
Embedded Files
learning intention
learning intention
to investigate how mechanical advantage is manipulated in a simple machine
to structure and write a practical report documenting an experiment
Tasks
Tasks
Knowledge & understanding
Using our understanding of mechanical advantage, develop an extensive hypothesis for investigating a simple machine such as a type of lever.
Investigation Skills
Complete and analyse an investigation into a simple machine.
Knowledge and understanding
Writing a hypothesis:
Writing a hypothesis:
Writing a hypothesis using the "if-then-because" format involves a clear and structured approach to formulate a testable statement that outlines a cause-and-effect relationship in your experiment. Here are the steps to write a hypothesis using this format:
Identify the Variables:
Determine the independent variable (what you will change or manipulate) and the dependent variable (what you will measure or observe).
State the Relationship:
Begin your hypothesis with an "if-then" statement that clearly states the cause-and-effect relationship you intend to test.
Specify the Conditions:
In the "if" part of the statement, describe the specific conditions or changes you are making to the independent variable.
Predict an Outcome:
In the "then" part of the statement, predict the expected outcome or effect on the dependent variable based on the changes you made in the independent variable.
Provide a Reason (Because):
Add the "because" part of the hypothesis to explain why you expect the stated cause-and-effect relationship to occur. This should be grounded in scientific reasoning or prior knowledge.
Make It Testable:
Ensure that your hypothesis is testable through experimentation. This means that you can design an experiment to either support or refute your hypothesis.
Here's an example of a hypothesis using the "if-then-because" format:
If the amount of sunlight a plant receives is increased (independent variable), then the plant will grow taller because sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which is the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy for growth.
In this example:
The independent variable is the amount of sunlight.
The dependent variable is the plant's height.
The "if-then" part establishes the cause-and-effect relationship, stating that increased sunlight will lead to taller plant growth.
The "because" part provides the scientific rationale for this expectation, explaining that sunlight is necessary for photosynthesis and, therefore, plant growth.
This hypothesis can be tested through an experiment where the amount of sunlight is controlled and measured, and the plant's height is observed and recorded under varying light conditions.
Investigation skills
Use the experiment scaffold on Google Classrooms to write up your experiment.
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