Grade 5scientific inquiryOriginal practice

Design a Comparison With Clear Variables

Identify variables, repeated measurements and limits in a proposed comparison. A complete set with exploration, practice and application. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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Independent activity · About 25 minutes · Pencil

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Grade 5 · science

Design a Comparison With Clear Variables

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Grade 5 · science · continued

Design a Comparison With Clear Variables

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An invented comparison plan

Invented practice data or scenario; not a report of a real study.

A class wants to compare two paper bridge folds. It proposes equal paper, equal gaps and the same blocks. The class will record the number of blocks held before each bridge falls and repeat each design three times.

Use the material to work through each task. Show the requested response.

1.What is intentionally changed?

2.What result is measured?

3.Name two conditions kept the same.

4.Why repeat each design instead of using one trial?

5.Would using heavier blocks for only one fold keep the comparison fair?

6.What conclusion could the test support, and what would remain uncertain?

Grade 5 · science · Answer key

Design a Comparison With Clear Variables

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Open responses use criteria and an illustrative response. Other well-supported responses can be acceptable.

Grade 5 · science · Answer key · continued

Design a Comparison With Clear Variables

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An invented comparison plan

Invented practice data or scenario; not a report of a real study.

Use the material to work through each task. Show the requested response.

1.What is intentionally changed?

Answer: the paper fold design

2.What result is measured?

Answer: the number of blocks held before falling

3.Name two conditions kept the same.

Look for

Names two stated controlled conditions.

One possible response: Paper size and gap width.

4.Why repeat each design instead of using one trial?

Look for

Connects repetition with variation.

One possible response: Results can vary; repeats reveal consistency.

5.Would using heavier blocks for only one fold keep the comparison fair?

Look for

Identifies the added variable.

One possible response: No. Block mass would change along with the fold.

6.What conclusion could the test support, and what would remain uncertain?

Look for

Limits the claim to tested conditions.

One possible response: It compares these folds under the tested conditions; other paper or gaps could give different results.

About this practice

Grade 5 · science · Matching answer key included · US Letter and A4

US Letter practice PDF ↓ · Answer PDF ↓A4 practice PDF ↓ · Answer PDF ↓

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Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: first student practice page

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Teaching guide, sample answers and curriculum references

Before you begin

Review the key words and representations in Design a Comparison With Clear Variables. Use the Explore activity to check readiness before removing support.

How to use this worksheet

Begin with: What is intentionally changed?
Connect the response to: Name two conditions kept the same.
Ask students to apply the idea: Would using heavier blocks for only one fold keep the comparison fair?

A common mistake to discuss

Accepting an answer without checking whether it uses the material and satisfies the requested relationship or criteria.

What to practice next

Continue to Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: Apply and Create.

Invented practice data or scenario; not a report of a real study.

Published 2026-10-04; updated 2026-10-04. Original MakeWorksheet practice. Automated consistency checks support publication; independent subject-specialist review is not recorded. Read our editorial policy.

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Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: Apply and Create: first student practice page

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Grade 5

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Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: Apply and Create

Apply · Independent · 15 min

Identify variables, repeated measurements and limits in a proposed comparison. A focused apply activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: Explore and Explain: first student practice page

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Grade 5

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Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: Explore and Explain

Explore · Independent · 10 min

Identify variables, repeated measurements and limits in a proposed comparison. A focused learn activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: Practice Independently: first student practice page

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Grade 5

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Design a Comparison With Clear Variables: Practice Independently

Practice · Independent · 10 min

Identify variables, repeated measurements and limits in a proposed comparison. A focused practice activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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Planet Order and Model Limits: Apply and Create: first student practice page

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Grade 5

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Planet Order and Model Limits: Apply and Create

Apply · Independent · 15 min

Use planet order and distinguish a model from true scale. A focused apply activity. Use the linked unit for the learning sequence and teaching guide.

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