Controlled Experiments (R)

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

• Because it is hard to set up a data table with more

• It is what always has been done

• To know what is causing the change. This helps us understand cause and effect

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Which brand of paper towel will absorb the most liquid?

What is the dependent variable?

• brand of paper towel
• amount of water absorbed

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

How does the flavor of ice cream affect the speed of melting?

What is the independent variable?

• Flavor of ice cream

• speed of melting

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

How does wing shape affect the distance a paper airplane will fly?

What is the dependent variable

• Distance the paper airplane flies

• wing shape

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Do roses grow more in height in partial or direct sunlight?

What is the independent variable

• Height

• partial vs. direct sunlight

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Zach wants to determine if the amount of time spent on social media has an effect on his grades.

What is the independent variable?

• time on social media

• computer skills

Students in different age groups were given a jigsaw puzzle and were timed to see how long it takes to put them together.

What is the dependent variable?

• How long it took them to put the puzzle together

• The jigsaw puzzle

• Different age groups

You want to see if playing music makes tomato plants grow taller.

What should the control group be?

• Plant height

• Playing music

• No music

• Volume of music

You want to set up a controlled experiment to determine the effects of caffeine on sleeping  behavior in mice.  You have two groups of mice--the experimental group and the control group.  Check two control variables you should consider

• Caffeine

• Then environment the mice are kept in

• The diet of the mice

• No caffeine

You want to set up a controlled experiment to determine the effects of caffeine on sleeping  behavior in mice.  You have two groups of mice--the experimental group and the control group.  Group one, the experimental group is given caffeine.  What is appropriate to give Group 2, the control group?

• caffeine

• sugar

• no caffeine

• tiny jackets

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1