Scientific Variables and Experiments

Mrs. Serena set up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp. What is the controlled variable?

• Distance traveled by the ball

• Height of the ramp

• Mass of the ball

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Will a person fall asleep faster if they listen to music?
What is the control variable?

• music

• time to fall asleep

• person

The one variable in an experiment that is purposely changed and tested by the scientist is the________________.

• dependent variable

• independent variable

• data

• control group

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

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. What should be kept constant? 

• type of plant, flower pot,  soil, and amount of sunlight

• water, apple juice, milk

• only the amount of sunlight

• type of plant only

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

In an experiment to find out how the temperature affects the bounce height of a ball, the dependent variable is ...

• temperature

• bounce height

• the thermometer

• the ruler

Should experiments be repeated over and over to see if the results are the same each time?

• yes

• no

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Research Question: Does the type of gasoline put in a car affect how fast the car can drive. What is the independent variable?

• Type of gasoline

• which car the gas is put into

• how fast the car can drive

• how much gas is put into the car

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

If I study for my scientific method quiz, then I will have a better test score. What is the dependent variable?

• Scientific Method

• Studying

• Independent variable

• Test score

What is the independent variable?

• cost of mowing

• Moe's Mowing Service

• $18

• Mowing Time

How many independent variables should you have in an experiment?

• two

• as many as possible

• four

• one