Understanding Variables in Experiments

The video by STEAMWorks Consultancy introduces Newton's Second Law to middle schoolers through a hands-on experiment involving marbles. It outlines the materials needed, the procedure for conducting the experiment, and how to analyze the data by graphing the results. The video also includes an extension activity and emphasizes the importance of students planning their own investigations. It concludes with a connection to NGSS standards and provides additional resources for teachers.

What is the primary focus of the video presented by STEAMWorks Consultancy?

• Law of Universal Gravitation

• Newton's Third Law

• Newton's Second Law

• Newton's First Law

Which materials are required for the experiment involving marbles?

• A ring stand, a clamp, and a boss

• A pipe insulator, a ruler, and a scale

• A clamp, a boss, and a ruler

• A ring stand, a pipe insulator, and marbles

In the first experiment, what variable is being changed?

• The height of the ramp

• The diameter of the marbles

• The mass of the marbles

• The length of the ramp

What should students do after collecting data from the first experiment?

• Conduct a survey

• Build a model

• Create a graph

• Write a report

What is the x-axis labeled in the graph for the first experiment?

• Distance traveled

• Mass of marbles

• Time taken

• Height of the ramp

In the second experiment, what variable is altered?

• The mass of the marble

• The material of the ramp

• The height of the ramp

• The diameter of the marble

How many trials should be conducted at each height in the second experiment?

• Five

• Six

• Four

• Three

What is the purpose of using a central tendency method in the second experiment?

• To measure the ramp height

• To calculate the total time

• To determine the median distance

• To find the average speed

What should students connect their conclusions to in both experiments?

• Newton's First Law

• Law of Conservation of Energy

• Newton's Second Law

• Newton's Third Law

Where can teachers find additional resources related to the video?

• On the STEAMWorks Consultancy website

• On the YouTube channel

• On TeacherspayTeachers

• On the school's website