Name:
Period:
Date Due:
Identifying Variables in an Investigative Question
Homework: A good testable question will clearly identify the variable to be changed (the MANIPULATED
VARIABLE) as well as how the change will be measured (the RESPONDING VARIABLE). Make up a possible
reason why an experiment might be done (the PROBLEM) and identify the variables involved.
REQUIRED: Select your favorite four (4) questions. You may do more for practice.
Most scientific reports begin with a problem that needs solving and a well-written investigative question.
Well-written means the manipulated and responding variables are identifiable.
A) Read each Investigative Question.
B) Decide why you might conduct the investigation (the “problem”).
C) Then, identify the manipulated and responding variables with as much detail as possible.
1. Problem: Can we determine which materials dissolve better in water?
Investigative Question: Will 10 grams of salt dissolve faster in 200 mL of water than 10 grams of sugar?
Manipulated Variable: Material dissolved in the water – 10 grams of salt vs. 10 grams of Sugar.
Responding Variable: Time (in seconds) salt or sugar take to dissolve
2 Controlled Variables:
a. Use the same size beaker (250 mL)
b. Use the same temperature water (room temperature – 25° C)
2. Problem: A candy company would like to create a lollipop that will last longer for more people.
Investigative Question: Will it take fewer licks to get to the center of a tootsie pop if you lick around the pop’s circumference, or up and down?
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Responding Variable:_________________________________________________________________
2 Controlled Variables:
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________
3.
Problem: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Investigative Question: Will a 15 cm car travel a longer distance than a 10 cm car?
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Responding Variable:_________________________________________________________________
2 Controlled Variables:
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________
4.
Problem: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Investigative Question: If you add 100 lbs to a 200 lb man will he roll down a mountain faster?
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Responding Variable:_________________________________________________________________
2 Controlled Variables:
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________
5. Problem: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Investigative Question: Will a rabbit run faster when chased by an emu or a lion?
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Responding Variable:_________________________________________________________________
2 Controlled Variables:
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________
6. Problem: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Investigative Question: Will a chocolate ice cream cone melt faster than a vanilla ice cream cone in the sun?
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Responding Variable:_________________________________________________________________
2 Controlled Variables:
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________
7. Problem: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Investigative Question: Will a paintball go further shot at a 112°angle or a 90° angle?
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Responding Variable:_________________________________________________________________
2 Controlled Variables:
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________
8. Problem: ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Investigative Question: Make up an investigative question of your own:_________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Manipulated Variable: ________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Responding Variable:_________________________________________________________________
2 Controlled Variables:
a. ______________________________________________________________________________
b. ______________________________________________________________________________