Name _____________________________________ Date _______________________ Block __________
VARIABLES PRACTICE
Directions: Identify the IV, DV, control group, and possible constants that would be necessary to
conduct the experiments below.
EXPERIMENT 1
Mr. Norman recently went to the grocery store and purchased one package of each type of microwave
popcorn. Using the different types of popcorn, Mr. Norman wants to conduct an experiment to help
him answer the following question:
Does the brand of popcorn affect the number of kernels that pop?
Independent Variable (IV): different brands of popcorn
Dependent Variable (DV): number of kernels that popped
Control Group: Mr. Norman’s favorite brand, store brand popcorn, empty microwave
Constants: microwave type, cook time, bag size/number of kernels, etc.
EXPERIMENT 2
Kelly proposes the idea that a marble would travel faster if it is rolled down a slide placed at a taller
height than one placed at a shorter height. Her idea prompted the following research question:
What happens to the speed of a marble when the height of the ramp is changed?
Independent Variable (IV): height of the ramp
Dependent Variable (DV): speed the marble travels
Control Group: flat ramp, ramp height between the tall and short heights
Constants: marble, marble size, marble type, length of the ramp/slide, material of the ramp/slide
EXPERIMENT 3
Some students believe that studying prior to a science test leads to higher test scores, while others
believe it does not impact their test score. This argument led to the following experimental question:
How does the amount of studying for a science test affect your test score?
Independent Variable (IV): amount of study time
Dependent Variable (DV): test scores
Control Group: group that did not study prior to their science test
Constants: same test, same group of students, same teacher, same classroom, etc.
Name _____________________________________ Date _______________________ Block __________
Which Variable is Which?
Identifying variables: Using your notes on experimental design vocabulary, identify the independent and dependent variable for each proposed
experiment below (problem). Correctly write a hypothesis after you have identified the variables.
Problem Independent Variable (IV) Dependent Variable (DV) Hypothesis
(make sure it is an “If…Then…” statement)
1. What is the effect of amount of fertilizer growth of lawns IF the amount of fertilizer is increased, THEN
fertilizer on the growth of growth of the lawns will increase.
lawns? (experimenter makes the (changes because of the IV) (IF the IV is (increased, decreased, etc.), THEN
change, “I do…”) the DV will (prediction)).
2. What is the effect of hot Temperature of the air Size of the balloon If a balloon is filled with hot air, then the size
air on the size of a balloon? of the balloon will be larger.
3. How does the pupil of Light Pupil response If the pupil of an eye is exposed to light, then it
the eye respond to light? will shrink in diameter.
4. Do sweet cereals have Different cereals Sugar content If the amount of sugar is measured in sweet
higher sugar content than cereals, then it will be greater than the amount
other cereals? of sugar in other cereals.
5. What is the effect of Addition of carbon dioxide Effects that carbon dioxide If steel wool is exposed to carbon dioxide, then
carbon dioxide on the to steel wool had on steel wool the steel wool will experience less rusting.
rusting of steel wool?
6. Do fish gills beat at Different water How quickly the gills beat If a fish is placed in warmer water, then it’s
different rates in different temperatures gills will beat faster than if it is placed in cooler
temperatures of water? water.
