Scientific Method and Variables

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

• dependent variable
• independent variable
• data
• control group

A possible explanation to a problem that has not yet been tested. 

• data
• theory
• hypothesis
• fact

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
• Color of the plant's leaves

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Valeria usually walks to school. She wants to see if running to school will help her do better on quizzes in first period. What is her Independent Variable?

• How far she walks

• Running to school

• Walking to school

• How well she does on quizzes

Which variable do you measure?

• Independent

• Dependent

• Constant

• Control

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

Mr. Smith sets up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp. Identify the independent variable.

• Distance traveled by the ball

• Height of the ramp

• Mass of the ball

• Shape of the ball

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

This part of the experiment serves as a basis of comparison; it's missing the independent variable.

• experimental group

• control group

• data

• variables

A custodian notices some dirty tables and wants to know which cleaner is the best to use. He tests three different cleaners and looks at how well they clean compared to tap water. What is the control group?

• type of cleaner

• tap water

• the table

• type of mess

Situation: The time it takes to run a mile depends on the person’s running speed. What would be a constant?

• running the same distance

• time it takes to run

• the speed

• the runner