1. What is the control group? What is the experimental group?
BELL WORK!
Suppose a farmer wishes to evaluate a new fertilizer. He uses the new fertilizer on one field of crops (A), while using his current fertilizer on another field of crops (B). The irrigation system on field A has recently been repaired and provides adequate water to all of the crops, while the system on field B will not be repaired until next season. He concludes that the new fertilizer is far superior.
What is the control group?
What is the experimental group?
Where is the error?

2. Parts of an Experiment Goals for Today…
Identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment
Identify the control in an experiment
List constants throughout an experiment
Determine if bias is present in an experiment

3. Variables…
Independent Variable—gets manipulated; it’s what you’re testing…The Manipulated Variable Dependent Variable—the results that get changed and you measure or observe; you can’t control this…The Responding Variable
Emily wanted to see if cleaning her desk with Clorox would take the pencil markings off.

4. Control Group…
The control is part of the experiment but doesn’t get changed. You use this to compare your final results to it. All good experiments should have a control.

5. Constants…
Constants are the factors that you attempt to keep the same for the experimental group and the control group.

6. Independent Variable: Dependent Variable: Relaxing Music
Let’s Practice…
Alex needed a nap so he put on some relaxing music to see if it’d make him fall asleep faster.
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Relaxing Music
Amount of time (it took to fall asleep)

7. Mike heard that bubble gum would keep his ears from popping.
Let’s Practice…
Mike heard that bubble gum would keep his ears from popping.
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Bubble Gum
Ears Popping

8. Does surface type affect travel distance?
Let’s Practice…
Does surface type affect travel distance?
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
Control:
Constants:
Surface Type
Distance (cm)
“Regular” wood surface
Car used
Height of ramp
Length of ramp
Person “driving”
Person measuring

9. As a group… You will need a timer!
Take turns getting timed sorting the cards.
Round 1: Black vs. Red
Round 2: Suits
Make sure you shuffle the cards very well between rounds.
Complete the lab sheet as you go.