Types of Scientific Investigations

The independent variable is the part of the experiment you choose to manipulate. It is changed on purpose and is believed to be the factor that will affect the dependent variable. Which of the following represents an INDEPENDENT VARIABLE?

• The growth of tomato plants grown outdoors.

• The temperature of a freezer with a newly designed insulator.

• Three different cities for collecting and measuring acid rain.

• The acid level of the rain collected in Phoenix, Arizona.

The constant variables in an experiment are held the same throughout the experiment. For example, the constant variable may be the height and angle of the light source above plants that are being grown. Which of the following represents a CONSTANT (CONTROLLED) VARIABLE?

• Selecting 3 different temperature settings.

• Measuring blocks that have the same mass, the same wood type, using the same measuring device.

• Pennies collected from years 2000-2009 and pennies collected from 1990-1999.

• The time it takes for ice cubes to melt.

Which of the following represents a DEPENDENT VARIABLE?

• The growth of bean plants.

• Different temperature settings.

• Different color bird feeders.

• Various cat foods.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Seth designed an experiment to see if butterflies preferred a particular color when feeding. He used 4 different colored sponges which he soaked with a nectar-substance to attract the butterflies. Seth made the following observations for three hours each Saturday over a one month period and recorded them in the chart. (see attached)

What is the MOST LIKELY conclusion made using the data collected based on Seth's observation?

• Color does not matter to butterflies when they are hungry.

• Butterflies prefer the color blue while feeding.

• Butterflies prefer the colors red or green when feeding.

• Butterflies prefer the color yellow while feeding.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

A class made models of a graduated cylinder using plastic cups. Which of the following describes the first step the class can use to test the accuracy of the classroom models for measuring volume?

• Pour 7 mL of water into a graduated cylinder and another 7 mL of water into the classroom models.

• Pour 7 mL of water into a graduated cylinder and transfer the 7 mL from the graduated cylinder into one of the classroom models.

• Pour 7 mL of water into a graduated cylinder and transfer the water equally from the graduated cylinder into all of the classroom models.

• Pour 7 mL of water into a graduated cylinder and different amounts of water into each of the classroom models.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

A scientific investigation that includes a control group and an experiment.

• controlled experiment

• model

• field study

• systematic observations

A representation of the arrangement of an object or event.

• field study

• controlled experiment

• model

• simulations

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-2

_________________ imitate how a system functions.

• Controlled experiments

• Systematic observations

• Models

• Simulations

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

The investigation of a plant or animal in its natural habitat.

• Field study

• Model

• Systematic Observation

• Nature

_______________ require descriptive details of events in nature.

• Controlled Experiment

• Field studies

• Systematic observations

• Simulations

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2