English National Curriculum - Science

6. Making a cake: scientific enquiry

Mission Objectives

Write a conclusion with a scientific explanation to support the evidence

Using the results, ask a new question that further extends the investigation

Evaluate the results of an investigation and suggest improvements to the method

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

prediction

explaining what you think might happen

conclusion

the end result or outcome

variable

something that is changed

method

instructions for carrying out an experiment

equipment

tools or items that are needed

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Required Resources

Resources: Butter, caster sugar, self-raising flour, eggs, vanilla extract, milk, a mixing bowl, a whisk, a wooden spoon, a measuring jug, weighing scales, an oven and a 20cm cake tin (variables could also include baking powder, water and a selection of different flours, e.g. plain or gluten-free).

Support Handout (1): A scaffolded investigation sheet which allows the children to draw and describe the results of their cake test, write a conclusion with questions to support and record further questions for investigation.

Core Handout (2): An investigation sheet which allows the children to draw and describe the results of their cake test, write a conclusion with questions to support and record further questions for investigation.

Stretch Handout (3): An investigation sheet which allows the children to independently draw and describe the results of their cake test, write a conclusion and record further questions for investigation.

Challenge Handout (4): The handout provides an example scientific enquiry into baking a cake, but has missing sections of the investigation and an error in fair testing for the children to identify and record.

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