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
No allergy medicine
The time of day medicine is taken
The number of sneezes
The person taking the 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?
amount of water
Amount of soil
Height of plant (in cm)
type of plant
amount of sunlight
No soil
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Which type of sunscreen prevents burns for the longest amount of time?
No sunscreen
Time of day
amount of sunscreen used
Brand of sunscreen
Time to burn (minutes)
skin tone of persons being tested
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
What paper towel brand absorbs the most water?
Size of paper towel
Temperature of water
None (need a paper towel to absorb any water)
Amount of water absorbed (mL)
Brand of paper towel.
Surface water is spilled on
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Sam wants to figure out which pan cooks eggs the fastest: bronze, copper or steel.
Minutes until egg is cooked
Temperature stove burner is set on.
Size of eggs
Size of pans
Material pan is made out of.
None (can't cook eggs without a pan)
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.
French fries are on the same table
Time to grow mold (days)
Fries from different restraurants
None (can't test without french fries)
Number of french fries
Handle french fries with gloved hands
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
Which brand of dish soap makes the most amount of suds?
Volume of suds (mL)
Amount of water
Amount of dish soap
Brand of dish soap.
None (need suds to make bubbles)
Time water and soap is stirred
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
What type of physical activity gives you the highest heart rate?
Heart rate (beats per minute)
Type of physical activity
Sitting (no activity)
Person doing the activity
Outside temperature
Time spent on activity
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control
What type of detergent gets out grass stains the best?
Same wash cycle
Area of stain removed (cm^2)
Size of original stain
washed in water without detergent
Type of original stain
Brand of detergent
Independant Variable
Dependent Variable
Constants (3)
Control