Scientific Investigations: Variables/Controls

Then match each part of the experiment to the correct type of variable:

• you change on purpose to test its effect

• Independent Variables

• stay the same to keep the test fair

• Control Variables

• you measure or observe to collect data

• Dependent Variables

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Match each variable to its role in the experiment based on the reading

Groups:

(a) Independent Variable

,

(b) Dependent Variable

,

(c) Control Variables:

• water volume

• temperature of water over time

• lamp wattage

• type of light (infrared vs. visible)

• beaker size

• distance from lamp

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is the dependent variable in the radio signal strength experiment?

• Signal strength received

• Brand of the radio transmitter

• Distance between transmitter and receiver

• Signal frequency

In the radio signal strength experiment, which of the following is NOT a control variable?

• Signal frequency

• Distance between transmitter and receiver

• Type of barrier material

• Brand of the radio transmitter

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Based on the experiment description, decide what’s being changed, what’s being measured, and what stays the same.

• Voltage or energy output

• Independent Variable

• Light source brightness,

• Dependent Variable

• Angle of the solar panel

• Control Variables

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

What needs to be controlled so the solar panel test gives accurate results?

• Type of wire used to connect the solar panel

• Light source brightness

• Distance from light

• Type of solar panel

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

​ ​

​ ​ ✅ Independent Variable: ​ (a)  

✅ Dependent Variable: ​ (b)  

• Size of the marble
• Diameter of the crater
• Drop height

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Name one thing that must be controlled in the Moon Crater experiment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

What is a control variable in the light wavelength and plant growth experiment?

• Type of plant

• Shape of the plant pot

• Wavelength/color of light

• Plant height

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-1

In the plant growth experiment, which variable is being measured?

• Wavelength of light

• Plant height

• Type of plant

• Shape of the plant pot