Science Experiments 101 Variables Dependent variable the thing

Science Experiments 101 Variables Dependent variable: the thing you measure – example height (cm), mass (g), time (s), volume (m. L), temperature (degrees C) Independent variable: the thing you are comparing between – example boys vs. girls, with water vs. without water, different types of detergent, etc. Constant(s): the thing that stays the same – example amount of water, type of plant, height at which the egg is dropped, etc. Control Group: (does not apply to all projects) the group that does NOT receive the special variable being tested – example white flower, plant with just water, laundry with just water, etc. Experimental Group: (does not apply to all projects) the group that DOES receive the special variable being tested – example colored flowers, plant with added nutrients, pasta with added oil, people who receive hints for memory retention, etc.

Science Experiments 101 Question ÜIndependent Variable The variable you are “messing with”. ÜDependent Variable The variable that you will record and measure. Its changes “depend” on the independent variable. ÜConstant Variable All aspects of this variable must remain constant. “How Does Aspirin Affect the Growth Rate of Roses? ” DV IV Constant “What is the Effect of Coke on the Decay of Teeth? ” IV DV Constant

Science Experiments 101 Hypothesis A hypothesis is a statement about what you think will happen in the experiment. It is stated in a positive manner. Avoid statements like “I think” and “I predict. ” The hypothesis should be in the form of “If ___ (IV), then___(this will happen to the DV). ” If I measure the bouncing height of a new basketball with three different pressures, then the ball with the highest pressure will bounce 10% higher.

Examples