Scientific Inquiry

30 Skills in Science. 22 are ready to try — three verified questions each, no account needed.

Ready to try

Ages 5–8
Comparing Design Solutions
Analyse data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each design
17 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 5–8
Modelling with Sketches
Develop a simple sketch, drawing, or physical model to illustrate how the shape of an object helps it function as needed to solve a given problem
14 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 6–8
Changing Your Mind with Evidence
Be willing to change your mind when evidence doesn't support your prediction — a result that surprises you is more valuable than one that confirms what you already thought
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 6–7
Observation vs Interpretation
Notice the difference between what you observed and what you think it means — 'the ice melted' is an observation; 'the ice melted because of the heat' is an interpretation
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–9
Classifying living things
Gather, record, classify, and present data in a variety of ways including tables, bar charts, labelled diagrams, and keys
5 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–9
Could there be another explanation?
For any result, ask: is there another explanation? — the first explanation that fits isn't always the right one, and good scientists actively look for alternatives
8 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–9
Drawing conclusions from evidence
Report on findings from enquiries using oral and written explanations, draw simple conclusions, make predictions, and suggest improvements
11 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–9
Fair testing
Set up simple practical enquiries, comparative tests, and fair tests, understanding the importance of changing only one variable at a time
41 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–9
Measuring accurately
Make systematic and careful observations, take accurate measurements using standard units and equipment including thermometers and data loggers
8 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 7–9
Using evidence to answer questions
Identify differences, similarities, or changes related to scientific ideas and use straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or support findings
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 8–11
Comparing Possible Solutions
Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints
11 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 8–11
Fair testing (age 8+)
Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved
20 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Accurate Measurement
Take measurements with increasing accuracy and precision using a range of scientific equipment, taking repeat readings when appropriate
6 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Classifying living things (age 9+)
Record data and results of increasing complexity using scientific diagrams, classification keys, tables, scatter graphs, bar and line graphs
6 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Controlling variables
Plan different types of scientific enquiries to answer questions, recognising and controlling variables where necessary
29 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 9+)
Report and present findings including conclusions, causal relationships, explanations, and a degree of trust in results using oral and written forms
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Evidence Supporting Ideas
Identify scientific evidence that has been used to support or refute ideas or arguments, evaluating the strength of evidence
10 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Fair testing (age 9+)
Use test results to make predictions and set up further comparative and fair tests to investigate new questions
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 9–11
Science Can Be Revised
Scientific knowledge is provisional — it is the best current explanation based on available evidence, and it can and should be revised when better evidence arrives
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–12
Controlling variables (age 11+)
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
9 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 11–12
Repeated tests for reliability
Distinguish between precision (consistency of repeated readings) and accuracy (closeness to true value), use significant figures and standard form correctly, and choose and use appropriate measuring instruments to minimise uncertainty
8 verified questions on this shelf
Ages 12–13
Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 12+)
Identify patterns and trends in data, draw conclusions that directly address the hypothesis with quantitative reference to evidence, and evaluate the investigation by distinguishing between systematic and random errors and proposing target…
9 verified questions on this shelf

Being planted

These Skills are on the map, but their questions are still being written and checked.

Ages 5–8
Asking scientific questions
Coming soon
Ages 5–7
Observing with simple equipment
Coming soon
Ages 5–7
Recording Data
Coming soon
Ages 5–7
Simple tests and experiments
Coming soon
Ages 8–10
Correlation vs Causation
Coming soon
Ages 8–11
Simple Design Problems
Coming soon
Ages 12–13
Tables, charts, and graphs
Coming soon
Ages 13–14
Writing Science Reports
Coming soon

Skill names and descriptions include the Marble Skill Taxonomy © Generative Spark, Inc. (withmarble.com), licensed under ODbL 1.0 (database) and CC BY-SA 4.0 (content). Practice questions are GlowGrades's own, each checked by independent verifiers that must agree before a child ever sees it.