MYP Year 8 Science
Remote Learning Investigation
Criterion B & C Assessment
The Arctic Survival Science Challenge
Imagine you are a scientist working in the Arctic.
Due to rising global temperatures, scientists are trying to understand why ice melts faster in
some environments than others. Your research team has been asked to investigate factors that
affect melting in order to help predict environmental change.
Your task is to design and carry out a scientific investigation at home to test how different
conditions influence how quickly ice melts.
You will follow the same investigation process used by real scientists.
Mission Question
How does changing one environmental factor affect the rate at which ice melts?
You must investigate ONE variable.
Possible investigation ideas:
• Different surface materials (metal, plastic, wood, fabric)
• Salt or sugar added to ice
• Sunlight vs shade
• Different containers
• Air movement
• Insulation materials
• Another safe idea approved by your teacher
Your Role as an Arctic Scientist
You will:
Plan an investigation
Test your idea
Collect scientific data
Analyse results
Evaluate reliability
This task will be assessed using:
• Criterion B — Inquiring & Designing
• Criterion C — Processing & Evaluating
PART 1 — Criterion B
Planning Your Arctic Investigation
1. Research Question
Write your investigation question.
Example:
How does __________________ affect the time taken for ice to melt?
2. Background Research
Explain the science behind melting.
Include:
• Heat energy transfer
• Particle theory
• Why your chosen factor may affect melting
3. Hypothesis
Make a scientific prediction.
Use evidence from your research to explain why you expect this result.
Example:
If __________ changes, then __________ will happen because __________.
4. Variables
Variable Type Description
Independent Variable What you change
Dependent Variable What you measure
Controlled Variables What stays the same
5. Method
Write clear numbered steps so another scientist could repeat your investigation.
Your method must include:
• At least three trials
• How melting will be measured
• How you will keep the test fair
6. Safety Considerations
Identify risks in the form of a risk table and explain how you will work safely.
PART 2 — Criterion C
Conducting and Analysing Your Investigation
Data Collection
Record your results clearly.
Trial Condition Tested Time Taken for Ice to Melt (minutes)
Data Processing
You must:
• Calculate an average melting time
• Present results in a graph
• Include title, labelled axes and units
Conclusion — Arctic Research Findings
Answer your research question using evidence.
Explain:
• What happened
• Patterns or trends observed
• Scientific explanation for your results
Evaluation — Scientist Reflection
Discuss:
• Reliability of your investigation
• Sources of error
• Limitations
• Improvements for future Arctic research
Suggested Investigation Timeline
Day Task
Day 1 Plan investigation
Day 2 Conduct experiment
Day 3 Analyse and evaluate results
Optional Scientific Evidence
You may include photos of your investigation setup.
Academic Integrity
All results must be based on your own experiment and collected data.
Student-Friendly Rubric
Criterion B — Inquiring & Designing
Level Achievement
1–2 Basic investigation idea with limited planning.
3–4 Investigation planned with some correct variables and method.
5–6 Clear investigation design with logical method and scientific hypothesis.
7–8 Detailed and well-controlled investigation supported by strong scientific reasoning.
Criterion C — Processing & Evaluating
Level Achievement
1–2 Limited results and simple conclusion.
3–4 Data presented with basic interpretation.
5–6 Correct data processing with scientific explanation and evaluation.
Thorough analysis, strong scientific reasoning, and thoughtful evaluation with realistic
7–8
improvements.
Real scientists learn by testing ideas, making observations, and improving investigations.
Be curious, think carefully, and investigate like an Arctic researcher.