- View more resources from this publisherScience Enhancement Programme
Beyond fair testing: teaching different types of scientific enquiry
These resources were developed by the Gatsby Science Enhancement Programme and King’s College London in order to broaden the range of scientific enquiries for students aged 11-16. The materials provide teachers with examples of different enquiry types, e.g. classifying and identifying, developing systems, and pattern seeking. Originally the pack was published as a hard copy booklet with a CD-ROM of supporting resources. The booklet provides an overview of the enquiries and the particular approaches used. The supporting resources include printable teacher notes and student materials, and editable versions of the student activities.
Scientists use many different ways to collect evidence, but a survey undertaken of work in schools found that many kinds of enquiry were very poorly represented. Fair tests were carried out much more frequently than other kinds of enquiry and many teachers said they would like more variety. The Beyond Fair Testing pack provides examples of different kinds of enquiry.
Show health and safety information
Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.