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Summaries · Grade 4 Natural Sciences › Practical investigation
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Practical investigation

How to do a scientific investigation step by step and safely. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.

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The steps

QuestionPredictionMethod andapparatusObservationsand resultsConclusion
From question to conclusion.
WordMeaning
ApparatusThe equipment you use
MethodThe steps you follow, in order
ObservationSomething you see or measure
VariableSomething that can change
ConclusionWhat you learn from the results
An investigation: which plant grows best?
An investigation: which plant grows best?
Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

The candle investigation

A candle’s wax is solid. Near the flame it melts and becomes liquid. When you blow the candle out, the wax sets and becomes solid again. The flame supplied the heat.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Fair and safe

  • Test which ball bounces highest: drop each ball from the same height.
  • Measure temperature with a thermometer and time with a stopwatch.
  • Show results in a table or graph, and repeat the test to check that it happens again.
Meerkat tip

Share your method, so that others can repeat and check it.

Tap when you could tell someone without looking.

Remember this and test yourself

Remember this: your summary
  • An investigation starts with a question and ends with a conclusion.
  • A prediction is what you think will happen, before you test.
  • In a fair test you change only one thing.
  • Write results down straight away and report honestly, even if they differ from your prediction.
  • Safety: never leave a flame alone, and tie back long hair.

Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.

Memory trick

Q-P-M-R-C: Question, Prediction, Method, Results, Conclusion. And change only one thing!

Flash cards · Tap to turn over

Important words

First say what the word means, then turn the card over.

Test yourself · Part 2

True or false?

Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.

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    Follows CAPS for Grade 4 Natural Sciences and Technology. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.

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