Understanding Input Devices
Exploring how physical actions like clicking or pressing keys interact with software.
Key Questions
- Explain how the computer knows which key you have pressed.
- Compare the different ways a human can give a command to a machine.
- Predict whether a computer can ever act without an input from a human or another machine.
National Curriculum Attainment Targets
About This Topic
Scientific inquiry begins with a question. In Year 3, students learn to transition from general curiosity to forming 'testable' questions. This is a foundational skill in the 'Working Scientifically' strand of the National Curriculum. A testable question is one that can be answered through observation or experiment, rather than just by looking it up or sharing an opinion.
Students learn to use stems like 'What happens to X if I change Y?' or 'Which is the best for...?' This topic sets the stage for all future scientific investigations by teaching students how to narrow their focus. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of inquiry by sorting 'big' questions into 'scientific' and 'non-scientific' categories.
Active Learning Ideas
Think-Pair-Share: The Question Filter
The teacher provides a list of questions (e.g., 'Is blue the best colour?' vs 'Does blue paint dry faster than red?'). Pairs must decide which can be tested in the classroom and why.
Inquiry Circle: Curiosity Board
Groups are given an object (e.g., a bouncy ball). They must brainstorm as many questions as possible, then work together to pick the one they could actually investigate with a ruler and a timer.
Role Play: The Science Dragon's Den
Students 'pitch' a scientific question to a panel of 'Science Dragons'. They must explain what they will change and what they will measure to prove their question is testable.
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionAny question about nature is a scientific question.
What to Teach Instead
A scientific question must be 'testable'. For example, 'Why are plants beautiful?' is a matter of opinion, whereas 'Do plants grow taller with more water?' can be measured and tested. Sorting activities help students distinguish between 'wonder' and 'inquiry'.
Common MisconceptionWe already know the answers to all science questions.
What to Teach Instead
Science is about discovering new things! Encouraging students to ask questions about things they see in the playground helps them realise that science is a way of exploring the unknown, not just memorising the known.
Suggested Methodologies
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a question 'testable' for Year 3?
How do I help a student who only asks 'Why?' questions?
Can a scientific question be about people's opinions?
How can active learning help students ask better scientific questions?
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