Write A Test Plan
Use evidence and design criteria to write a test plan.
- Criteria and constraints: Design work needs success targets and limits before testing.
- Evidence-based iteration: Changes should trace to data, feedback, or a failed criterion.
Prerequisites are inferred: pending teacher review.
Re-learn the skill with worked practice and clear examples.
Pick the test plan that has all four parts over plans that are missing one.
| Part of a good test plan | What it means |
|---|---|
| Measurable pass/fail rule | A number-based line, like 'alarm sounds in under 10 s' |
| Control | An untreated or standard setup to compare against |
| Controlled variables | Things kept the same so only one thing changes |
| Enough trials | Repeat several times, not just once |
Four students propose ways to test whether a new bandage sticks longer than the old one. Using the checklist, which plan is the strongest?
Reviewed| Part of a good test plan | What it means |
|---|---|
| Measurable pass/fail rule | A number-based line, like 'alarm sounds in under 10 s' |
| Control | An untreated or standard setup to compare against |
| Controlled variables | Things kept the same so only one thing changes |
| Enough trials | Repeat several times, not just once |
- A.Stick the new bandage and the old bandage on the same arm under the same conditions, run 10 trials each, and count how many stay on past 8 hours
- B.Stick the new bandage on once and see if it feels good
- C.Stick the new bandage on a sweaty arm and the old one on a dry arm, once each
- D.Ask three friends which bandage they like better
Show the worked solution ▾
Answer: A. Stick the new bandage and the old bandage on the same arm under the same conditions, run 10 trials each, and count how many stay on past 8 hours
- Step 1: Look for a control: Comparing the new bandage to the old bandage gives a control to compare against.
- Step 2: Look for controlled variables and trials: Same arm and same conditions keep variables controlled; 10 trials each is enough trials; 'stay on past 8 hours' is a measurable rule.
Why it's right: This plan has all four parts: a measurable rule (past 8 hours), a control (old bandage), controlled variables (same arm/conditions), and enough trials (10 each).
- B: Testing once with 'feels good' has no control, no measure, and one trial.
- C: Different arms (sweaty vs dry) changes a variable, and one trial is too few.
- D: Asking which they like is an opinion poll, not a test plan.
Aligned to Biotechnology Research and Experiments · reading level ~grade 9
- A student rejects a one-trial, no-control test before running the real comparison.
Fill these in as you work through the lesson.
- Pass/fail rule (number-based line to judge the test):
- Control (standard setup to compare against):
- Controlled variable (kept the same on purpose):
- Trial (one repeat of the test):
A good test plan needs a measurable rule, a to compare against, controlled , and enough .
- What is the measurable pass/fail rule?
- What is the control?
- Which part is missing?
Read a draft plan and tick the four parts; if one is never mentioned, name it as the missing part.