Exploring Variables and Experimental Design

What is the main question being investigated in the experiment?

• Does the type of soil affect plant growth?

• Does the color of light affect the rate of plant growth?

• Does the amount of water affect plant growth?

• Does the temperature affect plant growth?

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What is the independent variable in this experiment?

• The size of the pots

• The color of light the plants are exposed to

• The type of soil used

• The amount of water given to the plants

How can you remember what an independent variable is?

• It is what you measure in the experiment

• It is what stays the same in the experiment

• It is what is different about the groups

• It is the normal situation used for comparison

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

• The type of pots used

• The amount of soil used

• The color of light the plants are exposed to

• The rate or speed of plant growth

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

How can you remember what a dependent variable is?

• It is what is different about the groups

• It is the normal situation used for comparison

• It is what you measure in the experiment

• It is what stays the same in the experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

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

• To measure the dependent variable

• To test a new variable

• To change multiple variables at once

• To serve as a normal situation for comparison

Which plant is the control group in this experiment?

• Plant 1

• Plant 2

• Plant 5

• Plant 3

What are constants in an experiment?

• Variables that change between groups

• Variables that stay the same between groups

• The independent variable

• The dependent variable

Why is it important to have constants in an experiment?

• To ensure a fair test

• To change multiple variables

• To measure the dependent variable

• To serve as a control group

Which of the following is NOT a constant in this experiment?

• Color of light

• Amount of soil

• Amount of water

• Type of pot