KS1 Science: Working Scientifically — Challenge
Stretching KS1 working scientifically challenge: evaluate questions, equipment and fair tests, choose the best recording method, then redesign a test.
KS1 Science: Working Scientifically — Challenge is a greater-depth activity book mapped to the DfE National Curriculum enquiry skills for Years 1 and 2. Challenges 1-4 hold around sixteen auto-marked reasoning questions that go beyond simple recall: evaluating which of several questions is genuinely scientific, justifying the most precise equipment for a purpose, identifying exactly what makes a described test unfair, and choosing the clearest way to record different kinds of data. Challenge 5 is an open extension task in which learners redesign a flawed test to make it fair, explain how to combine repeated results into one fair conclusion, and justify why the method of recording results matters. All contexts are generic and cross-topic, because working scientifically is a set of skills used across all science topics, not a topic of its own. A full worked answer key, including model answers and marking notes for the open section, is included.
Tip: pinch to zoom on mobile, or use the + / − buttons.
Five tougher challenges to really stretch your working scientifically thinking. You will spot weak and strong questions, work out the best equipment, hunt for the flaw in an unfair test, and choose the smartest way to record data. Challenge 5 asks you to fix a flawed test yourself and explain your thinking — take your time and write in full sentences. Answer on screen and I’ll check Challenges 1-4, or print the book and work through it on paper.
This is a stretching, mostly self-marking KS1 science challenge book for confident young scientists. Challenges 1-4 go beyond simple recall, asking learners to evaluate and justify choices about questions, equipment, fair testing and recording data. Challenge 5 is open-ended, asking your child to redesign a flawed test and explain their reasoning — a good one to talk through together. Allow around 30 minutes.
A greater-depth challenge book for the DfE KS1 working scientifically strand. Challenges 1-4 hold auto-marked reasoning questions requiring learners to evaluate scientific questions, justify equipment choices on precision grounds, identify flaws in a described unfair test (including more than one variable changing at once and inconsistent measurement), and choose the best way to record different kinds of data. Challenge 5 is an open extension task requiring learners to redesign a flawed test, explain how to combine repeated measurements into a fair conclusion, and justify why the recording method matters. Suitable for greater-depth pupils, extension work, or as a plenary discussion resource.
Challenges 1-4 are checked together with the "Check my answers" button, which marks each response and gives instant feedback. Challenge 5 is an open reasoning and writing task that is not auto-marked — check it against the model answer and marking notes on the answer sheet.
