Controls and Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

The independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Front

What are control variables?

Back

Control variables are the factors that are kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure that the results are due to the independent variable.

Front

In an experiment testing paper airplanes, what is the independent variable?

Back

The type of paper airplane.

Front

In a plant growth experiment, what is the independent variable when using different fertilizers?

Back

The type of fertilizer used.

Front

What is the purpose of controls in an experiment?

Back

Controls are used to ensure that the experiment is fair and that the results are valid by keeping certain conditions constant.

Front

What does it mean to have a fair test in an experiment?

Back

A fair test means that only the independent variable is changed while all other variables are kept constant.

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Front

What is an example of a dependent variable in a bouncing ball experiment?

Back

The height that the ball bounces.

Front

What is the first step in the scientific method?

Back

Everything starts with an observation or a question.