--- title: "Fair testing (age 9+)" description: "Use test results to make predictions and set up further comparative and fair tests to investigate new questions" canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fair-testing-age-9-mt_5PgQB0QkWi source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fair-testing-age-9-mt_5PgQB0QkWi.md retrieved: 2026-10-19 --- > **Agent view.** This is the Markdown twin of the page, for tools and assistants. > When to use this site, and the call that answers each job: https://lightmysky.com/agent-instructions.md > API description (OpenAPI 3.1): https://lightmysky.com/openapi.json · Authentication: https://lightmysky.com/auth.md > Pricing: https://lightmysky.com/pricing.md · Catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms.txt · Full catalog: https://lightmysky.com/llms-full.txt > Every machine-readable file on this domain: https://lightmysky.com/.well-known/ai-catalog.json > Ask for Markdown with `Accept: text/markdown`, a `.md` address, or `?mode=agent`. # Fair testing (age 9+) Use test results to make predictions and set up further comparative and fair tests to investigate new questions Subject: Science · Area: Scientific Inquiry · Ages 9 to 11 Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/fair-testing-age-9-mt_5PgQB0QkWi ## Ready when they can - Use results from an investigation to make a specific, testable prediction - Design a follow-up test to check the prediction - Explain the reasoning linking the original results to the new prediction ## Lesson: Using results to predict what's next You have used results to answer a question. Now use a pattern to predict a new result and plan a test to check it. A prediction names an outcome you can measure or observe. A rising or falling pattern may suggest more or less next time, but it does not guarantee what will happen. *(drawing: Ben's beans started at similar heights. After two weeks, their heights were 4, 10 and 7 cm. The bars name the daily water amounts.)* **Example.** In Ben's test, the 100 mL plant was taller than the 50 mL and 150 mL plants. Ben predicts that 125 mL daily might give a height between 7 and 10 cm after two weeks. The 125 mL amount lies between the water amounts that gave those heights. This is a possible outcome to test, not a known result. For a fair follow-up, compare 125 mL with 100 mL and 150 mL in the same new test. Use several beans for each amount. Keep bean type, starting height, soil, pot size, light and growing time similar. Only daily water amount should change on purpose. In other tests, keep the conditions that could affect your measurement the same. *(drawing: Compare what you predicted with what you measured.)* A result inside your predicted range supports the prediction for that test. A result outside the range does not match it. Check the measurements and test conditions, then repeat. Use the new evidence to keep or change your prediction. One match does not prove a pattern always works. **Example.** You can extend a steady number pattern as a prediction. Ramp heights of 5, 10 and 15 cm gave roll distances of 12, 24 and 36 cm. Each extra 5 cm added 12 cm to the distance. Predict 36 plus 12, or 48 cm, for a 20 cm ramp. Then test whether the pattern continues. **Recap.** Explain the evidence behind your prediction, test it fairly, and compare the new results with what you expected. ## Practice 8 questions on this page, each with its working shown. ## Needs first - [Drawing conclusions from evidence](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-conclusions-from-evidence-mt_7VrR1GzhrN) - [Controlling variables](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/controlling-variables-mt_ArVBEpMAPk) - [Describing Rules & Patterns](https://lightmysky.com/learn/learning-to-learn/describing-rules-and-patterns-mt_hbe_kdE_7C) ## Opens up - [Drawing conclusions from evidence (age 9+)](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/drawing-conclusions-from-evidence-age-9-mt_nyPMkeHlVJ) - [Assessing Hazards and Risks](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/assessing-hazards-and-risks-mt_r66rs2EVkZ)