Science lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 45 minutes
Independent, dependent and control variables
Working scientifically
CCSS NGSS.SEP 3CCSS NGSS.MS-PS2-2England: KS2 Y5–Y6 Working scientificallyEngland: KS3 Working scientifically
Objective and success criteria
Students will: Independent, dependent and control variables.
- I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
- I can explain each step and say why it works.
- I can check my answer and spot a mistake.
Before and after
Needs first: Planning a fair test
Leads to: Drawing conclusions from evidence; Evaluating experiments (research summaries)
Materials: Simple equipment for a fair test, Results table template, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).
Warm-up · 5 min
- Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Planning a fair test). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
- Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
- Leo tests which paper towel soaks up the most water. What should he change? (the size of the towel / the type of paper towel / the time he waits / the amount of water) → the type of paper towelPrompt: In a fair test you change only one thing: the thing you are testing.
- Ben tests whether salt water or tap water freezes faster. Which must he keep the same? (the type of water / the volume of water in each cup / the time each one takes to freeze / whether the water has salt) → the volume of water in each cupPrompt: He is changing the type of water and measuring the time.
- Fair tests: which statement is true? (You should change as many things as possible. / If a result surprises you, you should hide it. / One try is always enough. / In a fair test you change only one thing.) → In a fair test you change only one thing.Prompt: Think about what makes a test fair.
Hook · 5 min
- Show a simple experiment with one thing changed and ask what makes it a fair test.
- Share the objective: Independent, dependent and control variables. Read the success criteria together.
I do: model it · 10 min
- Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
- Example: Investigation: Does the surface area of a puddle affect how fast it evaporates? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)?
- Step 1: Change: surface area of the water. Measure: time for the water to evaporate. Keep the same: volume of water, temperature of the room.
- Step 2: So the answer is: surface area of the water
- Answer: surface area of the water
- Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.
We do: guided practice · 10 min
- Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
- Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
- Investigation: Does the number of cells (batteries) affect how bright a bulb is? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)? (length of wire / water temperature / brightness of the bulb / number of cells) → number of cellsPrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.
- Investigation: Does the size of a parachute affect how long it takes to fall? Which is the dependent variable (the one you measure)? (time for the water to evaporate / size of the parachute / mass hanging from it / time to fall) → time to fallPrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.
You do: independent practice · 10 min
- Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
- Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.
The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.
Exit ticket · 5 min
- Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
- Investigation: Does the size of a parachute affect how long it takes to fall? Which is a control variable (one you keep the same)? (time to fall / mass hanging from it / size of the parachute / heart rate (beats per minute)) → mass hanging from itPrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.
- Investigation: How does the mass of a pendulum bob affect the time of one swing? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)? (starting angle / height of the ramp / mass of the bob / time for one swing) → mass of the bobPrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.
Watch out for
- Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
- Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"
Support and stretch
Support
- Review first: Planning a fair test.
- Use concrete materials: simple equipment for a fair test.
- Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
- Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.
Stretch
- Move on to: Drawing conclusions from evidence; Evaluating experiments (research summaries).
- Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
- Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.
Homework and more practice
Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-5.
Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder