For each experimental question, identify the independent variable (IV), dependent variable (DV), constants and the control.
For Each, Ask Yourself:
What am I changing on purpose so that I can answer my question? -- this is your Independent Variable.
What is being measured? What data (numbers) are being collected? --this is your Dependent Variable.
What is staying the same in all of the exeriments? -- these are your Constants.
What is your zero IV level? What is your normal group that does not recieve any testing.---This is your Control
Does the brand of allergy medication affect the number of times a person sneezes?
The brand of medicine
The number of sneezes
The person taking the medicine
The time of day medicine is taken
No allergy medicine
The amount of allery medicine
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Does the amount of soil a plant is placed in affect how tall it grows?
Height of plant (in cm)
type of plant
amount of sunlight
amount of water
Amount of soil
No soil
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Which type of sunscreen prevents burns for the longest amount of time?
skin tone of persons being tested
Brand of sunscreen
amount of sunscreen used
Time of day
No sunscreen
Time to burn (minutes)
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
What paper towel brand absorbs the most water?
Amount of water absorbed (mL)
Surface water is spilled on
Size of paper towel
Brand of paper towel.
Temperature of water
None (need a paper towel to absorb any water)
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Sam wants to figure out which pan cooks eggs the fastest: bronze, copper or steel.
Size of eggs
Material pan is made out of.
Temperature stove burner is set on.
Size of pans
None (can't cook eggs without a pan)
Minutes until egg is cooked
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Ashton wants to see which fast food restaurant has french fries that will take the longest to grow mold.
Handle french fries with gloved hands
Time to grow mold (days)
Number of french fries
French fries are on the same table
None (can't test without french fries)
Fries from different restraurants
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Which brand of dish soap makes the most amount of suds?
Amount of water
Brand of dish soap.
Time water and soap is stirred
Volume of suds (mL)
Amount of dish soap
None (need suds to make bubbles)
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
What type of physical activity gives you the highest heart rate?
Heart rate (beats per minute)
Person doing the activity
Sitting (no activity)
Type of physical activity
Time spent on activity
Outside temperature
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
What type of detergent gets out grass stains the best?
Size of original stain
Brand of detergent
washed in water without detergent
Same wash cycle
Type of original stain
Area of stain removed (cm^2)
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control