Experimental Design

Hypothesis and Variables

What are the Variables in a Scientific Experiment?

Independent Variable
The one thing you change. Try to limit it to only one in
experiment to best be able to gauge response.
-

an

Dependent Variable
- The

change that happens because of the independent

Control Variable
- Everything

you want to remain constant and

unchanging. This can be used to gauge response in the
independent variable.

variable.

How to write a correct hypothesis using your

variables.
The independent and dependent variable such be included
in your hypothesis.
A hypothesis should only suggest one relationship between
the variables. You should only have one independent
variable
Example:
"Tomato plants treated with non-organic fertilizer will grow
faster in the first three months than will tomato plants
treated with organic fertilizer."

Your Assignment
In pairs you will think up an experiment that you would like to do (it doesnt have to be physics
related). This is hypothetical, we will not be preforming these labs, unless they are really good

Using the formal lab report template, you will complete each section as you would in
one of our labs.
For research you can just have suggestions of places you would research for information.
For materials you will give write what you believe you would need for the experiment
Procedure should have general instructions for how you would do your experiment.
No data will be given as this is just hypothetical.
If you can think of any questions that may arise because of this experiment, write them
down.
Conclusion should include what you would do to continue your research and
experimentation in the picked topic. This could include any additional experiments that you
could do to work on your hypothesis and objective.