Scientific method and variables

Researchers are developing a new fertilizer designed to improve the growth of endangered Hawaiian plants. The fertilizer was applied to one hundred plants in a greenhouse. The temperature, humidity and amount of water were kept constant. Which is best for the researchers to do next?

• A compare plants that received fertilizer plants that received none

• B begin selling the fertilizer to gardeners living in hot, dry climates

• C change the conditions in the greenhouse and retest the fertilizer

• D test the fertilizer on plants that are adapted to cooler climates

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

A scientist investigates the effect of carbon dioxide on plant height. The scientist grows plants in several closed containers. All the plants receive the same amounts of water and light, but the air in each container has a different amount of carbon dioxide. What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• the amount of carbon dioxide in each container

• the number of plants in each container

• the amount of water provided to the plants

• the height of each plant after a period of time

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

A meteorologist recorded high temperatures for five days at three locations on land. The data are shown in the table above.

• Areas at the beach have the coolest temperatures

• Areas farther from the beach always have the warmest temperatures.

• Areas at the beach have the most stable temperatures.

• Areas farther from the beach always have the same weather as areas at the beach

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The table shows different types of pollination data for the fruit from one plant species.

Which is the correct graph for the data in the table?

• 
• 
• 
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Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

This variable in an experiment is the one being changed by the scientist. 

• dependent variable
• independent variable
• data
• control group

If you increase the amount of spinach you eat, then you will increase the iron in your blood.

What's the dependent variable?

• increase the amount of iron in your blood

• spinach you eat

• you are

If I ride my bike to school instead of walking, then I will get to school faster. What is the dependent variable?

• The school

• How fast you get to school

• Riding a bike or walking

• You are

If the students study for my scientific method test, then they will have a better test score. What is the dependent variable?

• Scientific Method

• Studying

• The students

• Test score

What is the part of the experiment that is left alone or “natural", and is used to compare back to?

• Independent Variable
• Dependent Variable
• Control Group
• Experimental Group 

You will want your experiment to have ____ independent variable(s) in it for the experiment to be valid.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• As many as possible