Scientific Method: Identifying Variables
Topic: Identifying Variables Worksheet
Summary: Students learn the different variables associated with the design an
experiment step of the basic scientific method flow chart. They will do this by
completing a w.s. and appropriately adding information into the creately.
Goals & Objectives: Students will be able to determine the independent, dependent, and
control variables given an experiment to work off of.
Standards: CA Investigation and Experimentation: d. Formulate explanations by using
logic and evidence.
Time Length: 30 minutes
Materials:
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Ball Point Pen
Handout
Creately scientific method diagram
Smartboard
Procedures:
1. Show the scientific method diagram from creately up on the smart board.
2. Highlight the section labeled conduct an experiment and explain that variables are
defined when you create and conduct an experiment. You cannot conduct an
experiment without determining variables.
3. Explain the characteristics of each variable by projecting them on the board.
(listed as followed)
a. The independent is what the experimenter adapts during the experiment.
b. The dependent variable is what the experimenter measures after the
variable has been adapted.
c. The standardizing variables are things that are kept equal in all treatments,
so that any changes in the dependent variable can be attributed to the
changes the independent variable.
d. The control group is when the independent variable either is eliminated or
is set at a standard value.
4. Students try to determine the independent, dependent, standardizing variables and
control groups from practice science experiments as a class to better understand
the material.
5. Now pass out the worksheet and allow them to work in groups to complete the
worksheet. Give them 10-15 minutes to complete.
6. Reconvene and project the worksheet on the smart board.
7. Allow different students to come up and write the answer in the blank and explain
any wrong answers.
8. Once you’ve completed that, put the scientific method chart up again and allow a
student to come up and place two more shapes connected ‘conduct an experiment’
labeled independent variable and dependent variable. (this graphic is built upon
each day when we go over another aspect of the method).
Accommodations:
Students with an IEP can work on the first four questions. ESL students can work
with, but not copy, a student fluent in English. Introduce ESL students to the
academic vocabulary (solution, concentration, humidity, slime, juggle) before
they begin.
Evaluation:
Each question is worth 2 points. This assignment is worth a total of 16 points.
© Lesson Plans Inc. 2007
www.LessonPlansInc.com
Name: _______________________ Row: _______ Date:_____________ Period:______
Identifying Variables Worksheet
For the following experiments, define the (IV) independent variable, (DV) dependent
variable, (SV) standardizing variables and (CG) control group.
1) Different rose bushes are grown in a greenhouse for two months. The number of
flowers on each bush is counted at the end of the experiment.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ SV
_______________________________________________
2) You water three sunflower plants with salt water. Each plant receives a different
concentration of salt solutions. A fourth plant receives pure water. After a two-week
period, the height is measured.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ CG
_______________________________________________
3) Three redwood trees are kept at different humidity levels inside a greenhouse for 12
weeks. One tree is left outside in normal conditions. The heights of the trees are
measured once a week.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ SV
_______________________________________________ CG
_______________________________________________
4) Pea plant clones are giving different amounts of water for a three-week period. The
first pea plant receives 400 milliliters a day. The second pea plant receives 200 milliliters
a day. The third pea plant receives 100 milliliters a day. The fourth pea plant does not
receive any extra water; the plant only receives natural ways of receiving water. The
heights of the pea plants are recorded daily.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ SV
_______________________________________________ CG
_______________________________________________
© Lesson Plans Inc. 2007
5) One tank of gold fish is fed the normal amount of food once a day. A second tank is
fed twice a day. A third tank is fed four times a day during a six week study. The fish’s
weight is recorded daily.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ SV
_______________________________________________ CG
_______________________________________________
6) You decide to clean the bathroom. You notice that the shower is covered in a strange
green slime. You try to get rid of this slime by adding lemonade juice. You spray half of
the shower with lemonade juice and spray the other half of the shower with water. After 3
days of spraying equal amounts 3 times a day, there is no change in the appearance of the
green slime on either side of the shower.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ CG
_______________________________________________
7) You decide to clean your bedroom. You notice that your floor is covered with clothes.
You try to get rid of the clothes by throwing them into the air. You throw clothes from
1/3 of the room into the closet and a second 1/3 of the room straight up in the air. The last
1/3 of the room you leave the clothes on the floor. After 30 minutes of “cleaning,” the
floor of the room is now visible.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ CG
_______________________________________________
8) You want to test which size of soccer (football) ball is easiest to juggle with your feet.
You test a size 3, size 4 and a size 5 ball. You count the seconds the ball stays in the air
for each of the trials. You allow yourself to use both of your feet, knees, and head to
juggle the ball.
IV ________________________________________________ DV
_______________________________________________ SV
_______________________________________________