Experimental Design and Characteristics of Life

The parts of the experiment that must be kept the same.

• Constants/Controlled Variables

• Independent variable

• Dependent variable

• Conclusion

Esther became interested in insulation while her parent’s new house was being built. She decided to determine which insulation transferred the least heat. She filled each of 5 jars half-full with water.

She sealed each jar with a plastic lid.Then she wrapped each jar with a different kind of insulation. She put the jars outside in the direct sunlight. Later, she measured the temperature of the water in each jar. What is the independent variable?

• The type of insulation

• The temperature of the water

• Number of houses

• The amount of sunlight

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

How many variables should you change in an experiment?

• none
• only 1

• 2 or more
• depends on the type of experiment

The type of variable that responds to the experiment and is what you measure or count to determine if your hypothesis is true.

• Independent
• Dependent
• Control

Thomas tests different types of liquids to see which will grow his plants the most. He has water, soda, milk, and no liquid at all. What is the control group?

• the one with water

• the one with soda

• the one with milk

• the one with no liquid

In this graph, what is the independent variable? 

• Population
• Day
• Species 5

In this graph, what is the dependent variable? 

• Walla Walla Island
• Time
• Number of Deer

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, the independent variable is ...

• The type of plant
• The amount of sunlight
• The type of music
• The type of liquid

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

The purpose of the control group is:

• Used for comparisons
• Application of the I.V.
• Application both the I.V. and D.V.
• Application of all constants.