Activity: Creating a research proposal

This activity is designed to give students an insight into what it is like to work like real scientists by creating a research proposal.

students ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience
students make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding
students select and plan the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables, where appropriate

Curriculum links

Experimental skills and investigations

ask questions and develop a line of enquiry based on observations of the real world, alongside prior knowledge and experience
make predictions using scientific knowledge and understanding
select, plan and carry out the most appropriate types of scientific enquiries to test predictions, including identifying independent, dependent and control variables, where appropriate

Scientific attitudes

pay attention to objectivity and concern for accuracy, precision, repeatability and reproducibility

Inquiry and Investigative Skills:

Plans and designs scientific investigations and enquiries:

Demonstrates initiative and increasing independence in identifying a number of key questions and in formulating aims, predictions and hypotheses based on information, observations and knowledge.
Designs procedures to test a hypothesis and identifies the independent, dependent and controlled variables, with limited assistance.
Anticipates most risks and hazards.
Demonstrates increased levels of collaboration and initiative in decision-making about samples, measurements, equipment and procedures to use.

Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Planning for investigations, obtaining evidence, presenting and interpreting results
Develop creative and critical thinking in their approach to solving scientific problems
Show deeper scientific understanding by thinking critically and flexibly, solving problems and making informed decisions, using Mathematics and ICT where appropriate
Demonstrate self-management by working systematically, persisting with tasks, evaluating and improving own performance