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