Getting to Know Your Variables (Again!)

Last updated almost 2 years ago
9 questions
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
1

Does the brand of allergy medication affect the number of times a person sneezes?

  • No allergy medicine
  • The time of day medicine is taken
  • The brand of medicine
  • The amount of allery medicine
  • The number of sneezes
  • The person taking the medicine
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

Does the amount of soil a plant is placed in affect how tall it grows?

  • No soil
  • type of plant
  • Height of plant (in cm)
  • amount of water
  • Amount of soil
  • amount of sunlight
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

Which type of sunscreen prevents burns for the longest amount of time?

  • No sunscreen
  • amount of sunscreen used
  • skin tone of persons being tested
  • Time to burn (minutes)
  • Time of day
  • Brand of sunscreen
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

What paper towel brand absorbs the most water?

  • Amount of water absorbed (mL)
  • Temperature of water
  • Brand of paper towel.
  • Surface water is spilled on
  • None (need a paper towel to absorb any water)
  • Size of paper towel
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

Sam wants to figure out which pan cooks eggs the fastest: bronze, copper or steel.

  • Material pan is made out of.
  • Minutes until egg is cooked
  • Size of pans
  • Temperature stove burner is set on.
  • Size of eggs
  • None (can't cook eggs without a pan)
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

Ashton wants to see which fast food restaurant has french fries that will take the longest to grow mold.

  • Fries from different restraurants
  • Handle french fries with gloved hands
  • Time to grow mold (days)
  • None (can't test without french fries)
  • French fries are on the same table
  • Number of french fries
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

Which brand of dish soap makes the most amount of suds?

  • None (need suds to make bubbles)
  • Time water and soap is stirred
  • Amount of water
  • Amount of dish soap
  • Brand of dish soap.
  • Volume of suds (mL)
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

What type of physical activity gives you the highest heart rate?

  • Heart rate (beats per minute)
  • Time spent on activity
  • Outside temperature
  • Sitting (no activity)
  • Person doing the activity
  • Type of physical activity
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control
1

What type of detergent gets out grass stains the best?

  • Same wash cycle
  • washed in water without detergent
  • Size of original stain
  • Type of original stain
  • Brand of detergent
  • Area of stain removed (cm^2)
  • Independant Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constants (3)
  • Control