Lesson 1: Formulating Aims & Testable Hypotheses
Carrying out a practical biological investigation with direction into a biological context.
🎯 Ngā Whāinga Akoranga | Learning Intentions
Requirements for a scientific investigation aim and testable biological hypothesis linking independent variable (IV) and dependent variable (DV) with biological reasoning.
Formulate a clear aim, write a testable directional hypothesis ('If... then... because...'), and justify the underlying biological mechanism.
🎥 Media Anchor & Pedagogical Scaffold
Scientific Method: Aims & Testable Hypotheses
Video Clip: The Scientific Method Part 2 — formulating variables and testable hypotheses (Rachel Taylor) (Runtime: 4m 22s).
🧠 1. Before Viewing (Activate & Predict)
What makes a biological hypothesis scientifically testable compared to a general guess or opinion?
👁️ 2. During Viewing (Watch With a Job)
- Hypothesis format: the video shows the 'if-then' structure for a hypothesis. Write an aim AND a hypothesis for a biology investigation of your choice using this format.
- Independent vs dependent variable: from the video's examples, write a one-sentence definition for each. Which one does the scientist change, and which one does the scientist measure?
- Distinguish aim vs hypothesis: in your own words, what is the difference between an aim and a hypothesis? Why do we need both?
🗣️ 3. After Viewing & Kaiako Move (Process & Apply)
Kaiako Move: Use sample enzyme rate contexts (catalase activity in potato/liver under variable temperature or pH).
Immediate Task: Complete Section 1 of your Level 1 Biology Investigation Log: Aim & Biological Hypothesis Statement.
⚡ Whakaoho | Do Now: Investigation Recall (10 mins)
"Plants grow better with music." You have heard it. It might even be true. But as written you cannot test it.
Two minutes: list everything in that sentence that is not measurable. What counts as 'better'? What music, how loud, for how long? Now rewrite it as one sentence naming exactly what you would change and exactly what you would measure. That rewrite is what an aim actually is.
📖 Activity 1: Investigation Planning & Practical Execution (25 mins)
Fix four claims (12 min). Your kaiako will give four vague claims. Rewrite each as a testable hypothesis in the form: if the [IV] increases, then the [DV] will [do what], because [biological reason]. The 'because' is not optional — a hypothesis without a mechanism is a guess with better grammar.
Break your own (13 min). Swap hypotheses with another pair. Try to find a way their hypothesis could be true and false at the same time, or measured two different ways. Hand back one specific improvement each.
📝 Activity 2: Level 1 Biology Investigation Log & Merit/Excellence Scaffolding (20 mins)
Report — Section 1. Submit: (1) four vague claims rewritten as testable hypotheses with IV, DV and units named; (2) your own investigation's aim and hypothesis including its biological reason; (3) the improvement another pair gave you and what you changed because of it.
🏫 Kaiako Planning & Pedagogy Notes
NCEA Level 1 Alignment: Direct preparation for NCEA Level 1 Biology — Internal (Carry out a biological investigation with direction). Emphasise complete variable control, accurate data processing, and clear biological explanations for Merit/Excellence grades.