Unit 7 Planning Investigations
Questions, hypotheses, independent, dependent and controlled variables, apparatus, ranges, repeats, risk and valid methods.
How to study for CCEA GCSE Double Award Science
Build each scientific explanation from a model or relationship, show quantitative working, and connect every practical claim to controlled evidence and evaluation.
Core concepts
Concept 1
A valid plan links a testable hypothesis to a changed independent variable and a measured dependent variable.
Exam cue: Identify the scientific model, relationship or practical evidence required by the command word.
Concept 2
Control variables, suitable range, intervals and repeats isolate the relationship and support reliable evidence.
Exam cue: Write a reproducible sequence with apparatus, quantities, units, control strategy and enough data for the intended graph or conclusion.
Concept 3
Risk assessment pairs each significant hazard with a realistic consequence and proportionate control.
Exam cue: Use the current CCEA specification formatting and entered tier to decide whether Higher-only detail applies.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Listing variables or safety equipment without explaining how they are controlled or which hazard they address.
Guardrail: Do not import another board or science route, omit units from a calculation, or make a scientific claim beyond the stated evidence.
Giving a remembered fact without connecting it to the stated data, observation or scenario.
Guardrail: Do not import another board or science route, omit units from a calculation, or make a scientific claim beyond the stated evidence.
Importing content or paper structure from a separate-science or non-CCEA specification.
Guardrail: Do not import another board or science route, omit units from a calculation, or make a scientific claim beyond the stated evidence.
Memory anchors
Independent variable
Factor deliberately changed in an investigation.
Dependent variable
Outcome measured in response to the change.
Control variable
Relevant factor kept constant for a valid comparison.
Hypothesis
Testable proposed explanation or relationship.
Hazard
Source with potential to cause harm.
Risk
Likelihood and severity of harm from a hazard.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Which is a testable hypothesis for an investigation?
A learner investigates how lamp distance affects photosynthesis. What is the independent variable?
Answer all questions to submit.
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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