A prediction is a reasoned idea made before the test

Invite an expected result and the reason behind it before the materials are tried. The later comparison can show how evidence changes an idea; the activity need not reward whoever guessed the observed result.

Invite a reason linked to prior observations. A prediction can be sensible even when the later result does not match it.

Save the prediction so it can be revisited

State the expected movement. Explain the reason. Compare with a later observation.

Predict that adding a fold changes the spinner's descent.

Did the reason match the tested feature? Draw the prediction.

Predictions are revisable ideas.

Resources

• Paper aircraft test – Forces and Flight Major Activity — Use the aircraft investigation for a follow-up comparison with a recorded procedure.

Further reading

• CSIRO — inquiry and explicit teaching

Read next

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