ANSWERS TO PRACTICE QUESTIONS
1. Squidward’s Symphony
Independent variable – Instruments
Dependent variable - # of jellyfish attracted
Conclusion – Clarinet did seem to attract a larger # of jellyfish
compared to the other instruments.
Results reliable – It’s too hard to tell if the results are reliable.
How long was each break between trials, did all the jellyfish
leave the area before doing it again?
2. Super Bubbles
Ads Claims – Super bubble soap would produce bubbles that were
twice as large as those made with regular soap.
Independent variable – The super bubble soap (bubble solution)
Dependent variable – Size (diameter) of the bubble.
Results reliable- Who blew them? Were they all blown the same
way, if not this could affect the results.
3. Marshmallow Muscles
Control – Spongebob
Independent variable – Muscle Cream
Dependent Variable – Amount of marshmallows lifted (strength)
Conclusion- Both improved at the end of the experiment, however it
does not appear that the claims for the muscle cream are true because
Patrick did not double the amount at the end. Improvements from
both are most likely because of the special workout.
4. Microwave Miracle
Hypothesis – If fish are feed microwave food, then they should be
able to complete the maze faster because the microwaved food makes
them smarter.
Control – Fish with regular food
Independent Variable – Microwaved food
Dependent Variable – Time required to complete the maze.
Conclusion – The special food does not appear to be a big factor in
helping fish become smarter because both groups got faster.