IDENTIFYING VARIABLES

VARIABLE Root: Vary Vary means to change

CONTROLS Controls (Constants): keeping all conditions of the experiment the same except for the variables you are testing.

VARIABLES Variables: the factors that change Independent Variable: the variable that you purposely change in an experiment. Dependent Variable: the “results” or “outcome” of an experiment. The factors that may change as a result of your independent variable.

EXAMPLE: WILL HOUSEPLANTS GROW FASTER IF YOU MAKE THE ROOM WARMER ? To answer this question, you decide to grow the plants at different temperatures. Independent variable: Dependent variable: Controls: the temperature of the room how fast plants grow size of container, type of soil, amount of water, amount of light exposure, use of fertilizer.

HYPOTHESIS A hypothesis is an educated guess to a scientific question or problem. A good hypothesis should be in the “ If, then, because ” format. Independent & dependent variables can be found in the Hypothesis. Example: If you drink coffee before going to bed, then it takes longer to fall asleep because the caffeine will keep me awake longer.

HYPOTHESIS Example: If you drink coffee before going to bed, then it takes longer to fall asleep because the caffeine will keep me awake longer Independent – drinking coffee before bed Dependent – time needed to fall asleep NOTE : The independent variable is usually listed first in the hypothesis. The dependent variable is the “ result ” of the changes being made.