Scientific Experiment Terminology

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What is an independent variable?

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The one thing you change on purpose in an experiment.

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What is a dependent variable?

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What you measure—it changes because of the independent variable.

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What is a control group?

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The group in the experiment that does not get the change. Scientists use it to compare results.

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What is a variable in an experiment?

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Something that can change in an experiment. Scientists use experiments to test ideas and answer questions.

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What is a hypothesis in an experiment?

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A testable prediction or educated guess about what will happen in an experiment.

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Why is it important to only change one variable at a time in an experiment?

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So you can be sure that any changes in the results are caused by the variable you changed.

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What is the purpose of repeating an experiment?

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To make sure the results are reliable and not just due to chance.