Experimental Variables

Experimental Variables

Learning Target: 

Today I am learning about the scientific method, so I can understand the process that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. 

I will know it when I can define and identify the variables in an experiment.

Multiple Choice

the factor that the scientist changes

• constants

• control

• dependent variable

• independent variable

Multiple Choice

you COMPARE the results to this variable or group

• constants

• control

• dependent variable

• independent variable

Multiple Choice

the factors that do not change in an experiment

• constants

• control

• dependent variable

• independent variable

Multiple Choice

the variable being observed and measured

• constants

• control

• dependent variable

• independent variable

Investigation #1

​Sam wants to see which cat food brand his cat, Misty, likes best. He tests three different brands. Each morning he picks a different brand, and gives Misty one cup.  Then, Sam records how much food Misty has eaten.

Multiple Choice

Sam wants to see which cat food brand his cat, Misty, likes best. He tests three different brands. Each morning he picks a different brand, and gives Misty one cup.  Then, Sam records how much food Misty has eaten.

What is the independent variable (IV)?

• IV = amount of cat food eaten

• IV = Misty the cat

• IV = one cup of cat food

• IV = brand of cat food

Multiple Choice

Sam wants to see which cat food brand his cat, Misty, likes best. He tests three different brands. Each morning he picks a different brand, and gives Misty one cup.  Then, Sam records how much food Misty has eaten.

What is the constant?

• constant = amount of cat food eaten

• constant = one cup of cat food

• constant = brand of cat food

Investigation #2

Kenley wonders how the color of light will affect plant growth. She places one plant under blue light; one under green and one in natural light. At the end of the month she measures each plant to see how tall it is.

Multiple Choice

Kenley wonders how the color of light will affect plant growth. She places one plant under blue light; one under green and one in natural light. At the end of the month she measures each plant to see how tall it is.

What is the dependent variable (DV)?

• DV = the type of plant

• DV = the plant under natural light

• DV = height of the plant

• DV = color of the light

Multiple Choice

Kenley wonders how the color of light will affect plant growth. She places one plant under blue light; one under green and one in natural light. At the end of the month, she measures each plant to see how tall it is.

What is the control?

• control = the type of plant

• control = the plant under natural light

• control = color of the light

Poll

How did you do identifying variables in an investigation?

• Great

• Okay

• Horrible

Investigation #3

RJ is curious if other candies will react with Diet Coke. He buys three 2L bottles of Diet Coke, and three different types of candy.  He drops three pieces of each type of candy into the different Diet Coke bottles. Then he measures the height of the soda geyser.

Multiple Choice

RJ is curious if other candies will react with Diet Coke. He buys three 2L bottles of Diet Coke, and three different types of candy.  He drops three pieces of each type of candy into the different Diet Coke bottles. Then he measures the height of the soda geyser.

What is the independent variable (IV)?

• IV= the type of candy

• IV = height of soda geyser

• IV = type of soda