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Scientific Method. Vocab Review to make life easier!. Variables. Variables used in an experiment or modeling can be divided into three types: Independent Variable D ependent Variable Controlled. Independent Variable.
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Scientific Method Vocab Review to make life easier!
Variables • Variables used in an experiment or modeling can be divided into three types: • Independent Variable • Dependent Variable • Controlled
Independent Variable • The Independent Variable (IV) is something that causes a change in the experiment • Example: How much water flows through a faucet at different openings? • IV = Water faucet opening (closed, half open, fully open, etc.) • Example: Does heating a cup of water allow it to dissolve more sugar? • IV = Temperature of the water • Example: Does fertilizer make a plant grow bigger? • IV = Amount of fertilizer
Dependent Variable • The Dependent Variable (DV) is the effect(or result) of the change in the experiment. This is what scientist measure in an experiment. • Example: How much water flows through a faucet at different openings? • DV = Amount of water flowing, measured in liters/min • Example: Does heating a cup of water allow it to dissolve more sugar? • DV = Amount of sugar that dissolves completely, measured in grams • Example: Does fertilizer make a plant grow bigger? • DV = Growth of the plant, measured by its height
Controlled • A Controlled Variable is something you try to keep constant (the same) in the experiment. • Example: How much water flows through a faucet at different openings? • C = The faucet; water pressure • Example: Does heating a cup of water allow it to dissolve more sugar? • C = Stirring; type of sugar • Example: Does fertilizer make a plant grow bigger? • C = Same type of fertilizer; same size of pot for each plant; same type of plant in each pot; same type of soil for each plant; same amount of water and light…
Fair Experiments • For an experiment to be considered a fair test there should only be ONE independent variable • In other words, there should only be one cause for change/ one thing that could change the end result/effect • A fair experiment: Does the temperature of water affect how much sugar can be dissolved? • One cause = water temperature • An unfair experiment: Does the temperature of water and amount of sugar affect how much sugar can be dissolved? • Two causes = water temperature and sugar amount