Variables & Hypothesis

This variable is the one thing that changed on purpose...

• Dependent Variable

• Control

• Independent Variable

What is the DEPENDENT variable (effect) in this experiment?

"Does eating breakfast improve test scores?"

• eating breakfast or not

• the grade you got on the test

• what time you get up in the morning

• how tasty the breakfast is

You are testing how the amount you water a plant affects its growth. What would be the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE in this experiment.

• They type of pot you put the plants in.

• The amount you water each plant.

• The amount of sunlight the plants get.

• The amount the plant grows.

Mr. Pransky wants to see how different surfaces affect how high a tennis ball can bounce. What is the independent variable?

• the different surfaces

• using the same ball

• how high they bounce

A student wants to test the hypothesis of "If salt is added to water then the boiling point of water will decrease (go down)." What is the independent variable?

• Whether salt is added or not

• Boiling Point

• Amount of water

Why do we use graphs in science?

• to record and display data

• to show trends in data

• to predict what will happen if we extend the experiment

• all of these are correct

Sadie is testing how the age of a seed affects how fast plants grow. Look at the picture to see if you can figure out what makes her experiment unfair. Mark all that apply.

• She used different types of seeds/plants.

• The plants are in different pots.

• She did not plant very many plants.

• Seed age might not make a difference.

What are the constant variables?

• what we are changing or testing

• what we are observing or measuring

• what we keep the same to make the experiment fair

Scientific Question: Does being tardy impact test scores?

What is the responding variable?

• test scores

• the time a student arrives to class

• amount of time to complete test

Scientific Question: Does being tardy impact test scores?

What is one of the constant variables?

• test scores

• the time a student arrives to class

• amount of time to complete test