How can you tell they’ve got it: Controlling variables (age 11+)?

If they’ve got it, you’ll see things like: Writes a hypothesis in the form 'I predict that [IV] will affect [DV] because...' supported by scientific reasoning; Identifies and labels the independent variable, dependent variable, and at least three control variables; Plans repeat readings and an appropriate sample size, and identifies relevant hazards with control measures. Or just try it together: If your child wanted to investigate whether temperature affects how quickly sugar dissolves, could they write a clear prediction, state exactly what they would change and measure, list three things to keep the same, and identify any safety steps?

Science Scientific Inquiry Ages 11–12

Controlling variables (age 11+)

Your child can plan a full experiment. To test how heat affects how fast sugar dissolves, they write a clear prediction and name what to change, measure, and keep the same.

In curriculum terms

Form a testable scientific hypothesis linking an independent variable to a predicted outcome, plan a full investigation identifying independent, dependent, and control variables, sample size, and risk assessment

Ages are typical, not deadlines — follow your child’s pace. How to help at home →

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

Writes a hypothesis in the form 'I predict that [IV] will affect [DV] because...' supported by scientific reasoning
Identifies and labels the independent variable, dependent variable, and at least three control variables
Plans repeat readings and an appropriate sample size, and identifies relevant hazards with control measures

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Try this together

If your child wanted to investigate whether temperature affects how quickly sugar dissolves, could they write a clear prediction, state exactly what they would change and measure, list three things to keep the same, and identify any safety steps?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on

Controlling variablesages 9–11KS3 hypothesis formation and full experimental design extends KS2 Upper ability to plan enquiries and control variables

Planning a Taskages 6–7Forming scientific hypotheses parallels the structured planning process in Learning-to-Learn

Structured Opinion Writingages 6–11Forming a testable scientific hypothesis with a predicted outcome has structural parallels with the English skill of constructing an opinion piece with a clear point of view and supporting reasoning

Controlling variables (age 11+)this skill · ages 11–12

Unlocks

Writing Science Reportsages 13–14A full structured report covers all stages from hypothesis to conclusion — grounded in the experimental design topic

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Where this fits in the official school curriculum — our best automated guess, not yet checked by a person.

This skill sits outside the F–6 Australian Curriculum — no candidate code matched (v0.1). No NSW K–6 outcome code matched (v0.1). No Victorian Curriculum 2.0 code matched (v0.1).

Nearby on the map

Repeated tests for reliabilityages 11–12 Drawing conclusions from evidenceages 12–13 Tables, charts, and graphsages 12–13 Accurate Measurementages 9–11

All Scientific Inquiry skills →