Understanding the Scientific Method and Experiment Design

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

• To receive the experimental treatment

• To be used for comparison with the experimental group

• To determine the independent variable

• To identify all the constants in an experiment

In an experiment to determine the effect of sunlight on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

• The type of plant

• The amount of water given to the plants

• The amount of sunlight the plants receive

• The height of the plants

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What is the dependent variable in an experiment that tests the effect of a new fertilizer on plant growth?

• The type of fertilizer used

• The color of the plants

• The growth rate of the plants

• The amount of water given to the plants

Which of the following best describes constants in an experiment?

• Variables that are changed to see their effect on the dependent variable

• The variable that is manipulated by the researcher

• Conditions that are kept the same for all groups in the experiment

• The outcome that is measured in the experiment

In an experiment to test the effect of temperature on the solubility of sugar in water, what is the independent variable?

• The amount of sugar

• The temperature of the water

• The solubility of sugar

• The type of sugar

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

What role does the dependent variable play in an experiment?

• It is the variable that is manipulated to observe its effect.

• It is the variable that remains unchanged throughout the experiment.

• It is the outcome that is measured to see the effect of the independent variable.

• It is used to ensure the experiment is conducted fairly.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Why are constants important in an experiment?

• They allow the independent variable to be the only factor that influences the outcome of the experiment.

• They change with the independent variable to provide accurate results.

• They are the variables that are being tested in the experiment.

• They provide the conditions for the control group.

In a study examining the effect of study time on test scores, what is the independent variable?

• The subjects' test scores

• The amount of time spent studying

• The difficulty of the test

• The location where the subjects studied

In an experiment that tests the effect of salt on potato mass, the control group

• receives salt

• is the type of potato

• does not receive salt

• is the mass

If an experiment is conducted to see how different types of light affect plant growth, what would be a constant?

• The type of light each plant receives

• The species of the plants used in the experiment

• The growth rate of the plants

• The time of year the experiment is conducted

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5