Year 3 Science · Working scientifically · Summary

Year 3 Science Working scientifically: summary and key words

Part of the Year 3 Science working scientifically chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page

Chapter summary

Skill	Method
Ask relevant questions	A relevant question is about what we study and can be answered with evidence. Know the type of enquiry to use.
Fair test	Change one thing, measure the result and keep everything else the same.
Measure carefully	Use standard units, start a ruler at 0, read at eye level, and use a thermometer, a measuring cylinder or a data logger.
Record and classify	Record results at once, with units. Sort things with a key of yes or no questions.
Present data	Use a table, a bar chart, a labelled diagram or a drawing. Give it a title and labels.
Report and conclude	Say what you did and found. Write a conclusion that matches the results. Predict from a pattern, then test.
Compare and use evidence	Find differences and similarities. Use evidence from tests to answer a question or support a finding.

I can ask a question that I can test, and say which type of enquiry would answer it
I can set up a fair test in which only one thing changes
I can measure with standard units, and read a scale at eye level
I can use a thermometer, a measuring cylinder and a data logger
I can record, classify and present data in a table, a key, a bar chart or a labelled diagram
I can write a report, a conclusion and a prediction that match my results
I can suggest an improvement and raise a further question
I can compare differences and similarities, and use evidence to support an idea

relevant question: a question about the thing we are studying that we can answer with evidence
enquiry: a way of finding out, such as a test, an observation or a search in a reliable source
fair test: a test in which only one thing changes and everything else is kept the same
comparative test: a test that compares the results for different things
observation: something we notice with our senses or with a tool
measurement: a number with a unit, such as 7 cm or 60 ml
thermometer: a tool that measures temperature in degrees Celsius
data logger: a small electronic device that records readings at set times
key: a set of yes or no questions used to sort things into groups
conclusion: a short sentence that says what the results show
prediction: a sensible guess about a new value, based on a pattern, which we then test
evidence: information from measurements or reliable sources that helps answer a question
practice only: an enquiry skill used as practice in this chapter, which is not a separate statement