What is a fair test? - Worksheet - Year 2

A fair test is a fundamental concept in scientific inquiry, particularly important for young learners to grasp. It refers to an experiment where only one variable is changed at a time while all other conditions are kept constant. This ensures that any difference in the outcome of the experiment can be attributed to the change in that single variable, rather than other factors. For instance, if Year 2 students were investigating what plants and trees need to grow healthily, they would change only one condition—such as the amount of water provided—while keeping others like light and soil quality the same. This method allows them to draw accurate conclusions about the effects of water on plant growth.

Understanding how to conduct a fair test is crucial in determining the necessities for plant and tree growth. By designing experiments where one element, such as light, water, or soil, is varied, students can observe the impact on plant health. For example, they might set up a series of plants with different lighting conditions while maintaining uniform water and soil for each. The growth of these plants can then be compared to see how light affects their development. This approach helps to isolate the specific requirements for healthy growth and demonstrates the importance of fair testing in scientific experiments.