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Scientific Variables PowerPoint

This document discusses key concepts in scientific experiments including variables, hypotheses, and controls. It explains that there are three types of variables: independent variables which are manipulated by the researcher; dependent variables which are measured; and controlled variables which stay constant. An example is given of testing different battery brands where the independent variable is the brand, the dependent variable is battery life, and the controlled variable could be the device the batteries are used in. The document stresses that experiments can only have one independent variable in order to isolate the effect being tested.

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Kayla Johnson
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62 views

Scientific Variables PowerPoint

This document discusses key concepts in scientific experiments including variables, hypotheses, and controls. It explains that there are three types of variables: independent variables which are manipulated by the researcher; dependent variables which are measured; and controlled variables which stay constant. An example is given of testing different battery brands where the independent variable is the brand, the dependent variable is battery life, and the controlled variable could be the device the batteries are used in. The document stresses that experiments can only have one independent variable in order to isolate the effect being tested.

Uploaded by

Kayla Johnson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SCIENTIFIC

VARIABLES & HYPOTHESIS


Experiments
Experiments are a great way to
observe cause and effect
relationships. By conducting an
experiment, you are problem
solving and looking for answers.
When planning an experiment,
you must always consider your
variables. In science, a variable is
something that can be changed,
controlled, or measured.
Scientific Variables
There are 3 types of scientific
variables.
1. Independent (the cause)
2. Dependent (the effect)
3. Controlled (the constants)
Independent Variable
The independent variable is
what you are going to
change and test. When you
test an independent
variable, you collect data by
recording what happened.
Independent Variable
•An experiment can only have
one independent variable.
This means that you should
only change one factor at a
time so that your results are
valid.
•Valid means accurate and
reliable.
Independent Variable Example
Independent variable example:
If you are testing 2 different
battery brands to see which one
lasts longer, your independent
variable is the brand of battery
because you are using different
brands.
Dependent
Variable
The dependent
variable is what you
measure or observe.
In a cause and effect
relationship, the
dependent variable is
the effect.
Dependent Variable Example
Dependent variable example: If
you are testing 2 different battery
brands to see which one lasts
longer, your dependent variable is
the amount of time it takes to use
up the batteries, because it depends
on the brand
Controlled Variable
Controlled variables are the
constant factors that do not change
when conducting an experiment. For
example, if you are comparing the
growth of two different plants to see
which one grows taller, you must
keep certain factors the same for
both plants. The amount of water
and sunlight they each receive
should be the same.
Controlled Variable
Example
If you are testing 2 different
battery brands to see which
one lasts longer, one of your
controlled variables could be
the device you put the
batteries in (ex. flashlight). You
should use the same flashlight
for each test to get valid
results.

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