Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses: a skill companion
Reusable sheets that grow one science skill: practise the skill in Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses. Print once and slot into the science topics you already teach.
Start here
- Read the pairing map.
- Print scaffolds 1 and 2 when a lesson needs this skill.
- Cut out scaffold 3 once; reuse all year.
- Open the interactive unit for a worked example.
- Run the mini-lesson first if you want the skill on its own.
Slot the skill into your science lessons
Fold this skill into Year 8 Understanding units.
| When you teach | Pattern or need | Prompt | Scaffold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cells: the Basic Units of Life (AC9S8U01) | A pattern or need in this unit | How does practise help here? | Scaffold 1 then 2 |
| Cells, Tissues and Organ Systems (AC9S8U02) | A pattern or need in this unit | How does practise help here? | Scaffold 1 then 2 |
| Plate Tectonics (AC9S8U03) | A pattern or need in this unit | How does practise help here? | Scaffold 1 then 2 |
| The Rock Cycle (AC9S8U04) | A pattern or need in this unit | How does practise help here? | Scaffold 1 then 2 |
| Kinetic and Potential Energy (AC9S8U05) | A pattern or need in this unit | How does practise help here? | Scaffold 1 then 2 |
| Elements, Compounds and Mixtures (AC9S8U06) | A pattern or need in this unit | How does practise help here? | Scaffold 1 then 2 |
| Physical and Chemical Changes (AC9S8U07) | A pattern or need in this unit | How does practise help here? | Scaffold 1 then 2 |
On-screen pictures
- “Frame the question: pick the one thing to change”.
- “See the relationship between temperature and reaction time”.
- “Spot the trial to recheck”.
- “Hypothesis or just a guess?”.
Skill planner
Use this whenever you practise: practise the skill in Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses.
What I notice or need
My plan or question
What I will keep the same / measure / say
Teacher note: collect one strong example for the word wall.
Before and after
Before
Draw it
After
Sort the cards
Cut out. Sort into yes / no piles and justify why.
Can we test a question about questions, predictions and hypotheses?
Which colour is the prettiest?
Does changing one variable keep a test fair?
Is a rainbow happy?
Should we record units with every number?
Can we ignore data that surprises us?
Does a table help us see a pattern?
Is louder always more scientific?
Can two groups compare results fairly?
Answer key is on the answers sheet.
Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses clinic
Teach the skill on its own before folding it into a science topic. About 30 minutes.
We are learning to
- practise the skill in Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses,
- use the pack scaffolds with a real science example,
Success criteria
- I can use one scaffold without copying a friend.
- I can explain the skill in one short sentence.
Lesson flow
| 5 min | Hook Ask: “What skill are we practising today?” |
| 10 min | Card sort Tables sort scaffold 3 cards. |
| 10 min | Write Scaffold 1 then scaffold 2. |
| 5 min | Exit Ask: “Finish: Today I learned to...” |
See answers sheet for card keys.
Answers and look-fors
Scaffold 3 cards
| Card | Fit? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Can we test a question about questions, predictions and hypotheses? | Yes | If we can watch or measure, yes. |
| Which colour is the prettiest? | No | Prettiest is an opinion. |
| Does changing one variable keep a test fair? | Yes | Fair tests change only one thing. |
| Is a rainbow happy? | No | Feelings are not measurable here. |
| Should we record units with every number? | Yes | Units make records clear. |
| Can we ignore data that surprises us? | No | Surprises need a second look. |
| Does a table help us see a pattern? | Yes | Tables organise counts. |
| Is louder always more scientific? | No | Evidence matters, not volume. |
| Can two groups compare results fairly? | Yes | If methods match, yes. |
Model exit: Today I learned to practise the skill in Questions, Predictions and Hypotheses.
Pair with the Understanding unit you folded the skill into that week.