Scientific Variables and Experiments

In a controlled experiment, how many variables can be worked with at a time? 

• one
• none
• two or more
• how ever many makes sense.

Mr. S. sets up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp.  Identify the independent variable.

• distance traveled by the ball
• height of the ramp
• mass of the ball
• weight of the ball

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Which type of sugar dissolves the fastest?

Which is the independent variable?

• The temperature of the water

• The amount of water

• The type of sugar

• The type of cup you use

Which type of apple has the most water in it?

Which is the dependent variable?

• The size of the apple

• The age of the apple

• The amount of water

• The type of apple

Which type of bubble gum makes the biggest bubble?

Which is the independent variable?

• The brand of the gum

• how long you chew the gum

• the amount of air to blow the bubble

• the size of the bubble

Which type of soap cleans the best?

Which is the independent variable?

• How dirty the plate is

• How hot the water is

• The type of soap

• The type of food on the plate

Do different types of music make a difference in test scores?

Which are the control variables?

• The type of music

• The volume of the music

• How well the student does on a test

• The type of test

What are all the things that are kept the same in an experiment?

• controls
• data
• constants
• independent variables

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

How much water does a plant need to grow?

Which are the constant variables?

• The type of plant

• How much water you use

• Location of plant

• How much the plant grows

• How long you grow the plant

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What would the INDEPENDENT variable be in an experiment testing which types of paper airplane goes furthest?

• the paper used
• the type of paper airplane
• the distance of each plane's flight
• how hard the plane is thrown

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2