Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth? Chemistry Projects Does it matter whether it contains sugar? Does an electric motor turn faster if you increase the voltage? This video explains independent, dependent, and controlled variables, with a special emphasis on controlling variables in experimental design. 7 Best Dependent and Independent Variables ideas. 0000002075 00000 n Variables in a Slime Experiment: 1. glue solution type of glue, concentration of the solution. Get two specimens of the same small plant that can easily be checked on and moved. The . Understanding the difference is something 9th graders are tested on in Texas, but more importantly it helps created a deeper understanding of linear relationships and more complicated functions. How much can you dilute a pesticide while retaining its effectiveness? Psychology projects make for fun and . The length of the string and the angle of the swing are controlled variables. Scientific Method Story Worksheet. The result will usually be that the vinegar cleans the pennies better, demonstrating that a lower-pH solution is better at cleaning discoloration due to oxidation. 0000003002 00000 n Place a heat source -- like a space heater or a bright incandescent light bulb -- directed to warm the air outside the entrance of the ant hill. How to Test Algae Growth for a Science Fair Project, How to Tell the Difference Between Alcohol & Alkene in Labs, Quick & Easy Chemistry Experiments for 10th Graders, Science Experiments on the Formation of Crystals With Ammonia, The Best Ways to Make a Homemade Tornado for a Child's Science Project, Discovery Education: Investigation -- Design Experiment, ScienceProjectIdeasForKids.com: Variables: Independent, Dependent, Controlled, Science Experiments on Evaporation for Kids in Seventh Grade, Science Experiment With Rocks That Absorb Water, Science Experiments on Which Colors of Candles Burn the Fastest. It is called independent because its value does not depend on and is not affected by the state of any other variable in the experiment. We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. The dependent variable is the reduction in the candle's length after 30 minutes. . different colored light? If you have access to a very cold freezer, you can look at the effects of freeze and thaw cycles. How attentive have you been in class these past few weeks? colorblind? startxref Does seed size affect the growth rate or final size of a plant? Also, check if the taste and/or color of the bears have changed. Me and my friend need to complete a project with dependent and independent variables please give ideas QUICK. Are night insects attracted to lamps because of heat or light? Add a teaspoon of sugar to each and stir the mixture the same number of times in each container. On trying out the different ideas, you will find that the degree of expansion of the candy depends on the liquid on which it is kept. This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. Suzy has been a successful health, fitness and nutrition writer for more than 10 years, and has been published in various print and online publications. 2. borax solution- source of borax, concentration of the solution. endstream endobj 296 0 obj<. Look at ethylene and enclosing a fruit in a sealed bag, temperature, light, or nearness to other pieces or fruit. In the best experiments, the scientist must be able to measure the values for each variable. Is a seed affected by its size? Petri dishes are perfect for this, but a shallow bowl or empty yogurt cup would also work. In other words, they . Think of the independent variable as what you change in an experiment, the dependent variable as the response you observe because of what you changed, and the controlled variable as the things you keep the same so they dont interfere with your results. Did they appear to move faster or slower when warmer? There are two parts of this hypothesis, and thus two experiments: You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/sample-variables-hypothesis. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. Each has an important role to play in experiments. Variables in Your Science Fair Project Variables Scientists use an experiment to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. For example, the following question identifies what is happening as well several variables which are identified. You should be able to use whatever you have in the fridge. Light is the independent variable, and the dependent variable is plant growth in this classroom experiment. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. Do different types of knots affect the breaking strength of a rope? 0000003038 00000 n You want to know which brand of fertilizer is best for your plants. Please enter a search term in the text box. The rate of eye blinking is the dependent variable, because it differs according to the sex of the subjects. Hypertonic refers to a higher concentration of solutes and hypotonic is just the reverse. For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. The seed size is the independent variable, because nothing in the experiment affects the size of the seeds. Some of the control variables might be the brand of sunscreen lotion (using the same brand but different SPF ratings), the amount of sunscreen lotion used for each experiment, the type of materials and the type of UV meter used . Does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts? Can you make Jello using fresh pineapples instead. Equally long? Set up a series of bowls on the table and fill them with different solutions like that of baking soda, vinegar, salt, distilled water, etc. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. Water the seeds equally, and place them where . You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/variables. For instance, maybe the little dog eats more because it is hungrier that day, maybe the big dog does not like the dog food offered, or maybe all dogs will eat more wet dog food than dry dog food. Statistics are defined as a field that involves tabulating, depicting, and describing. light? Who listens to music the most: Teenagers or their parents? Typed reports and posters are the norm (sorry, no handwritten text). Gatorade and Improved Athletic Performance. Does magnetism affect the growth of plants? a variable that does not depend on another variable or other variables for its value. Note where each plant is when you measure it -- outside, inside in a well-lit window or away from direct sunlight -- and conclude which amount of sunlight helps your plants grow the fastest. Document the percentage of large and small seeds that germinate. In this experiment, you'll determine the percentage of large and small seeds that germinate. Pour milk into the dish, we made ours about 2cm deep. Plant a few large seeds, such as pumpkin seeds. Independent Variable: Time (how long each battery operates in a given device), Independent variable: Type of current drain device (as quantified by low, medium, and high), Dependent variable: Voltage (same as experiment #1), Controlled variables: Same as outlined in the table for experiment #1. Divide the time by five to get the average period for the first trial. Are all dependent variable(s) measurable? Even today, the scientific method . The independent variable must be something measurable that you can change in the experiment. Does the power of a microwave affect how well it makes popcorn? What effect do additives have on the crystals? This experiment is especially good for teaching the concept of a controlled variable if you include a third variable -- how dirty the pennies are. endstream endobj 312 0 obj<>/Size 295/Type/XRef>>stream 0000001169 00000 n Remove the heat source and record the ants activity again. When a scientist performs a test or survey on different groups of people or things, those groups define the independent variable. A variable is something that can change or vary for an experiment to be a success. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. A fifth grade science project is the culmination of the elementary school curriculum. Volleyball Machine: 2019 Engineering Challenge. This is an EOG test for 8th-grade science designed to refresh your memory. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Put one in an area that receives lots of direct sunlight. Suzy Kerr graduated from Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. xref How are different soils affected by erosion? Water the seeds equally, and place them where they get equal sunlight so that the only difference between the two is the size of the seeds. Controlled variables ensure that the different elements of an experiment are similar enough that you know what is being changed or tested. You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. You will change the temperature of the water, so this is the independent variable. Does relative humidity? We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. One swing is called a period. Record the dimensions and mass of the bear again. Experiment #2: Compare the rate of voltage change between devices with low, medium, and high current drain. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." So, you should keep all the other variables the same (you control them) so that you can see only the effect of the one variable (the independent variable) that you are trying to test. Experiment with what rolls faster by covering one of two planks with a smooth lining like shelf paper and thge other with a rough lining like carpet or astroturf. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030. 32. ", "More stirring might also increase the amount of sugar that dissolves, and different sugars might dissolve in different amounts, so to ensure a fair test I want to keep these variables the same for each cup of water. Make similar observations as above for each one of them. https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030 (accessed March 4, 2023). The fertilizer added to trays C and D is the independent variable. 0000003270 00000 n For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. Ways to Play with an Apple Carton. Can you use a household water filter to remove flavor or color from other liquids? When a gummy bear is placed in a hypotonic solution (e.g. Either predict what you expect to happen or form a hypothesis, record the data, determine whether it upholds the prediction, and report your findings. Design an investigation using eye color as an independent variable. Observe which ball reaches the ground first. Do different brands/types of markers produce the same results? So you turn the up the lights in Tray #1 (the independent variable) and the tomatoes get bigger (dependent variable). What metal is most resistant to corrosion by sea water? The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. ", "The work that a motor performs has a big impact on its speed, so to ensure a fair test, I must keep that variable the same.".