Year 8 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 13
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Compare two
Complete the comparison table for the three report sections. Fill in every blank cell.
| Feature | Results | Discussion | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| What does it contain? | |||
| Language style (choose: reporting / interpreting / summarising) | |||
| Does it reference specific data values? | |||
| Does it mention sources of error or limitations? |
Scenario
A student's scientific report is returned by the teacher with the comment: "The conclusion makes a claim that is not supported by the data presented." Write a guide for the student explaining how to fix this, using the three questions below.
(a) Explain how to link a conclusion to data properly. Include a worked example: write one sentence that correctly references a data value to support a claim.
(b) What does "overgeneralising" mean in a scientific conclusion? Give an example of an overgeneralised claim and rewrite it using cautious language (e.g. "suggests", "indicates", "in this investigation").
(c) Real scientists use peer review before publication. Explain in 2–3 sentences how peer review prevents unsupported conclusions from reaching the public. Why can't students do this with a teacher check alone?
Wrap Up
In one sentence, why does using cautious language (like "suggests") make a scientific conclusion stronger, not weaker?