Look at the following research question. How can different brands of soap affect bubble size? Identify the independent and dependent variables.
independent variable: brand of soap, Dependent variable: bubble size
Your teacher distributes materials for a lab, and you notice that the beaker she gives you has a chip in it. What should you do?
Raise your hand and tell the teacher so she can get you a new beaker.
A group of subjects that do not receive any special treatment in an experiment so you have “normal” results for comparison is known as a…
control group
True or false: Scientists always have to be right.
FALSE - You learn from your mistakes.
How many independent variables can you have in an experiment?
One
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a conclusion?
A hypothesis is what you think MIGHT happen in the experiment. A conclusion is what DID happen in the experiment.
When doing a lab, are you allowed to mix up whatever you want?
No, you should stick to the instructions.
Look at the following research question. How fast will ice cream melt at different temperatures? Identify the independent and dependent variables.
Independent variable: different temperatures, Dependent variable: how fast it melts
Angelina set up an experiment to see how the mass of different marbles affects the distance each marble rolls off a ramp. Identify the independent variable.
The mass of different marbles
Your teacher has planned a fun lab for the day that involves food you love to eat. Should you go ahead and eat the food when you see it?
No, because you will need it for the lab. Plus, you don't know that it is safe to eat unless you ask.
Something in an experiment that is kept the same is known as a…
constant
The variable in an experiment that you measure is known as the…
dependent variable
The variable that you change on purpose in an experiment is known as…
the independent variable
Something in an experiment that will change is known as a…
variable
An educated guess or possible answer to a question is more commonly referred to as a…
hypothesis
Ramone wants to know if offering students candy as a reward affects how many of them get A's on their math test. What is the dependent variable?
How many students get an A on the test
James wants to know if the type of gasoline put in a car affects how fast the car can drive. What is the independent variable?
Type of gasoline
What do you call the series of steps that a scientist follows to solve a problem?
scientific method
Why should control variables be kept the same?
You want to make sure that only the independent variable is affecting changes in the dependent variable.