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