Scientific Variables

Choose the correct definition of a constant or a control in a scientific experiment.

• The factor that is always changing.

• Something that happens a lot.

• All the factors that stay the same in an experiment.

• Stating whether your hypothesis was correct.

Squidward found new reeds to tryout for his clarinet.  He used an APPLAUSOMETER to measure applause after playing  Under the Sea with each reed.  The results were put in the table.
What was the independent variable?

• The Song
• The Reed
• The Applause

In an experiment, the factor that is changed is called the...

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• control

• spam

HYPOTHESIS: Does study time affect the student's score on an test?

Use the table to answer questions 11 and 12.

Suppose you collected this data from students in your school. What is the independent variable in the study?

• The Students

• The Study Time

• The Grade on the Quiz

Why is it important to only change the independent variable in an experiment?

• It's not important.

• To keep the experiment fair.

• To prove your hypothesis correct

• To make sure you have enough detail for your conclusion.

In your experiment, the factor that you measure is called the...

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• control

• ruler

In an experiment, the constant, or control, is...

• Something that is changed.

• What you're measuring.

• Something that does not change.

• Your conclusion.

True or False: a test may have more than one independent variable

• true

• false

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 and gatorade. Each plant has the same amount of sunlight, soil and listens to the same music. What is the control?

• The size of the plant.

• The type of liquid.

• There are no controls.

• Amount of sunlight, soil and music.

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 and gatorade. Each plant has the same amount of sunlight, soil and listens to the same music. What is the independent variable?

• the type of plant

• the type of liquid

• the type of music

• the amount of liquid