Scientific Method/Variables

A student wants to test the effects of type of exercise on heart rate.  What is the dependent variable?

• heart rate
• type of exercise
• amount of exercise
• time of day exercise occurs

How many variables can be tested in a controlled experiment?

• one
• two
• three
• as many as possible

The independent variable is the ONE thing you _____.

• change
• keep the same
• experiment with
• investigate

What is a hypothesis?

• A hypothesis is the right answer to an experiment.
• A hypothesis is the wrong answer to an experiment.
• A hypothesis is an educated guess.

What step does every scientific experiment begin with?

• hypothesis
• question/problem
• procedures
• conclusion

Why do we want to test one variable at a time?

• Because it is hard to setup a data table with more
• To know what is causing the changes
• It is what has always been done
• No one really knows

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

A student is planning an experiment to find out how the height from which he drops a ball affects how high the ball bounces. The dependent variable is the _____.

• Diameter of the ball
• Force acting on the ball
• Height that the ball bounces
• Height from which the ball is dropped

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, what is the dependent variable?

• Type of plant
• Water, apple juice, milk
• Plant growth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Detailed list of STEPS and MATERIALS needed to perform an experiment.

• Hypothesis
• Background Knowledge/Research
• Conclusion
• Procedure

What the scientist wants to know about or TEST; it must be a specific question that includes both variables.

• Hypothesis
• Problem Statement
• Data and Results
• Background Knowledge/Research