Identifying variables in experiments

Should experiments be repeated over and over to see if the results are the same each time?

• yes
• no

The one variable in an experiment that is purposely changed by the scientist is the________________.

• dependent variable

• independent variable

• data

• control group

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Research Question: Does the type of gasoline put in a car affect how fast the car can drive. I try regular, plus, and premium to see which one makes my car faster.

What is the independent variable?

• Type of gasoline

• which car the gas is put into

• how fast the car can drive

• how much gas is put into the car

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Walker is testing which fertilizer will grow the tallest grass.  The height of the grown grass is the __ variable.

• constant (same)
• independent (changes)
• dependent (measured)

Does changing the scent of my dog's food affect how much the dog eats?

I try original, chicken, beef, and shrimp to see which the dog eats more of.

Which variable is the part in red?

• independent

• dependent

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Does changing the scent of dog food affect how much the dog eats?

I try original, chicken, beef, and shrimp to see which the dog eats more of.

Which of these would be the control group?

• beef scented

• chicken scented

• original scented

• shrimp scented

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

Does changing the scent of a brand of dog food affect how much the dog eats?

I try original, chicken, beef, and shrimp to see which the dog eats more of.

Which of these would be a constant for this experiment?

• how much it eats

• the brand of food

• the scent of food

• the president of the United States

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Does the flavor of ice cream affect how fast the ice cream melts?

I scoop equal amounts of vanilla, chocolate, and Macinac Island Fudge flavors into three separate bowls.

Which variable is the part in red?

• independent

• dependent

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Does the flavor of ice cream affect how fast the ice cream melts?

I scoop equal amounts of vanilla, chocolate, and Macinac Island Fudge flavors into three separate bowls.

Which of these would be a constant for this experiment?

• the flavor

• how much ice cream of each flavor is used

• the speed of melting

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4