Variables: The things that can change in an experiment.
Independent: What YOU will be changing. (only 1 item)
Dependent: What you will be measuring.
Controlled: What you will be keeping the same. (This is what keeps the experiment “fair”.)
Examples:
Which propeller makes more energy?
Independent Variables: types of propellers
Dependent Variables: amount of energy
Controlled Variables: fan strength, distance of fan from propeller, duration of testing, testing location, same motor, same fan, same volt meter
Does music effect reaction times?
Independent Variable: types of music
Dependent Variables: reaction speeds
Controlled Variables: volume of music, distance of hand from buzzer, color of light, testing location, same songs for each test
Does riding position effect bicycle speed?
Independent Variable: riding positions
Dependent Variable: bicycle speed
Controlled Variables: testing location, type of bike, rider, amount of air in tires
RESEARCH:
- 1-2 paragraphs long (use strong sentences)
- Look up real information about your topic.
Examples:
Which propeller makes more energy?
I could research information about these topics: Where the U.S. obtains its energy. Renewable verses Nonrenewable energy. How windmills work.
Does music effect reaction times?
I could research information about these topics: How many car accidents are there each year in the U.S. What kinds of things effect human focus. Car safety.
Does riding position effect bike speed?
I could research information about these topics: Aerodynamics. The physics behind movement. Wind resistance. Bike races in the U.S. Preferred bicycles of pro-cyclists.
Please help your child fill out the bibliography page when doing the research. This is a small step up from simply listing the sources, like we did for the research reports.
Warmly,
Mrs. Bennon