Controls & Variables with The Simpsons

Multiple Choice

Why do you think understanding controls and variables is important in scientific experiments?

• It helps us make fair comparisons and draw accurate conclusions.

• It makes experiments more fun to do.

• It allows us to use more colorful materials.

• It helps us finish experiments faster.

Open Ended

Describe how you would identify the independent and dependent variables in a scientific experiment.

Multiple Choice

Which side of the shower represents the control group?

• The side of the shower sprayed with coconut juice

• The side of the shower sprayed with water

Multiple Choice

What is the DEPENDENT (outcome/responding) variable?

• The amount of coconut juice

• The amount of water

• The amount of slime

Multiple Choice

What should Homer's conclusion be?

• That the coconut juice worked

• That the coconut juice did not work

Open Ended

Explain why it is important to have a control group in Homer's shower experiment.

Multiple Choice

In Smithers' experiment, what was the independent variable?

• The number of workers

• The special juice

• The number of papers stapled

• The time spent working

Multiple Choice

What is the CONTROL group in this experiment?

• Group A

• Group B

Open Ended

What is the DEPENDENT (Outcome/Responding) Variable in this experiment?

Open Ended

How could Smithers improve his experiment?

Multiple Choice

What was Krusty's INDEPENDENT (test/manipulated) variable?

• Original itching powder

• New itching powder

• How long the itching lasts

Multiple Choice

What was Krusty's DEPENDENT (outcome/responding) variable?

• How long the itching lasts

• How much of the new itching powder is used

Multiple Choice

What was Krusty's CONTROL group?

• A

• B

Multiple Choice

What should Krusty's conclusion be?

• The original itching powder worked better

• The new itching powder worked better

• Both itching powders worked the same

Open Ended

What is one thing you learned about controls and variables from this lesson with The Simpsons?