Science·Scientific Inquiry·meta
Controlling variables
Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, recognising and controlling variables where necessary
Suggested ages 9–11
Learning journey
Your child is developing advanced scientific investigation skills — planning fair tests, taking precise measurements, recording complex data, and evaluating evidence to draw reliable conclusions.
Evidence of understanding
- Independently plan an investigation identifying the independent, dependent, and controlled variables
- Choose the appropriate type of enquiry for the question (fair test, observation over time, pattern seeking, research)
- Explain why controlling variables is essential for valid results
Assessment prompt
Can Controlling variables plan their own experiment from scratch — deciding what to test, what to measure, what to keep the same, and how many times to repeat it?
Standards alignment
KS2U.Sci.WS.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Planning scientific enquiries
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Upper Key Stage 2