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