What difference does age make? - Activity - Year 5

In this investigative activity designed for Year 5 students, the objective is to explore the impact of age on various human abilities and attributes. Students are tasked with setting up an experiment to observe and measure differences that age may cause in individuals at different stages of life. The suggested age groups for the experiment range from a baby to a grandfather, covering a broad spectrum of life stages. The experiment aims to assess memory, reading and number skills, as well as physical capabilities, providing a holistic view of how age can influence performance in these areas.

To conduct a fair test, students are encouraged to work in pairs, which allows for a more substantial collection of data and a more reliable set of results. When planning the experiment, students should consider what is already known about human life cycles and the natural changes that occur as people age. The design of the investigation is left open-ended, giving students the freedom to decide how best to challenge the participants and measure the differences effectively. This activity not only teaches scientific inquiry but also offers insights into human development and the ageing process.