science fair project ideas with independent and dependent variables

You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. Independent Variable . All rights reserved. endstream endobj 312 0 obj<>/Size 295/Type/XRef>>stream Completely immerse the gummy bear in the water. Water the seeds equally, and place them where they get equal sunlight so that the only difference between the two is the size of the seeds. Due to the process of osmosis, i.e., the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to that of a lower concentration, the bear starts to grow. Make similar observations as above for each one of them. 0000001783 00000 n Log in. 8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas. If you have access to a very cold freezer, you can look at the effects of freeze and thaw cycles. The various surfaces on the ramp are the independent variables. So you turn the up the lights in Tray #1 (the independent variable) and the tomatoes get bigger (dependent variable). The result will usually be that the vinegar cleans the pennies better, demonstrating that a lower-pH solution is better at cleaning discoloration due to oxidation. A function f may map x to some expression in x. Controlled variables ensure that the different elements of an experiment are similar enough that you know what is being changed or tested. Do White Candles Burn Faster Than Colored Candles, Physical balance or digital weighing machine. salt water). The ramp can be as simple as a board with modeling clay guard rails. How does the voltage of an AA battery change over time when used in low, medium, and high current drain devices? Statistics are defined as a field that involves tabulating, depicting, and describing. For example, the following question identifies what is happening as well several variables which are identified. 8th grade science fair projects tend to involve the scientific method and designing an experiment and not making models or explaining processes. Do all hairsprays hold equally well? stays aloft the longest? Use a stopwatch to record how long it takes for a teaspoon of sugar to dissolve in each. 0000000016 00000 n To be clear though, for a science fair, it is usually wise to have only one independent variable at a time. Why? How attentive have you been in class these past few weeks? She holds master's degrees in French literature and education. What types of words do babies learn to speak first? For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. Helpful in u. Strauch holds a Master of Arts in speech/broadcast journalism from Bob Jones University, where she also served on the faculty of the radio/TV department. This is determined by measuring the height of the candle before and after allowing it to burn for 30 minutes. The company wants to claim that when an athlete drinks Gatorade, their performance will improve. Sometimes you may hear this variable called the "controlled variable" because it is the one that is changed. 1. Planning an investigation Identify the variables. Blowing up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar is the classic acids and bases experiment. The constants (control variables) are the length of the candle, the diameter of the candle, the allowed burn time and the room temperature. This example project is designed to help students understand the concept of independent and dependent variables. These two variables are: independent variable: Something that you choose to change. Cause and effect relationships explain why things happen and allow you to reliably predict the outcomes of an action. Dependent variables do change according to the other variables; therefore, they are dependent on those variables. When a gummy bear is placed in a hypotonic solution (e.g. How does the pH of soil relate to the pH of the water around the soil? Can you make Jello using fresh pineapples instead. Get two specimens of the same small plant that can easily be checked on and moved. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students . ). 0000000704 00000 n Set up a series of bowls on the table and fill them with different solutions like that of baking soda, vinegar, salt, distilled water, etc. Fill two identical containers with two cups of water each -- one hot and one cold. If I perform this test in low, medium, and high current drain devices, then the rate of voltage drop will be slowest in the low current drain device and fastest in the high current drain device. A dependent variable is the factor, or outcome, that will be measured in an experiment. This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. Variables are the parts of the experiment that change, or variate. 3. ratio of solutions- Examples are: 1 part glue + 1 part borax; 2 parts glue + 1 part borax; etc. Plant a few large seeds, such as pumpkin seeds. This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. The Effect Of Colored Light On Plant Growth Science ProjectIts range is between 380-750 nm approximately. Are goldfish water chemicals really necessary or are they an unneeded expense? All rights reserved. Science Fair Project Ideas for 12th Graders, Science Fair Experiment Ideas: Food and Cooking Chemistry, Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College. A properly designed experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. Look at ethylene and enclosing a fruit in a sealed bag, temperature, light, or nearness to other pieces or fruit. So, you should keep all the other variables the same (you control them) so that you can see only the effect of the one variable (the independent variable) that you are trying to test. This is what we are observing and measuring. Typed reports and posters are the norm (sorry, no handwritten text). Suzy has been a successful health, fitness and nutrition writer for more than 10 years, and has been published in various print and online publications. In this experiment, you'll determine the percentage of large and small seeds that germinate. Independent Variable: Time (how long each battery operates in a given device), Independent variable: Type of current drain device (as quantified by low, medium, and high), Dependent variable: Voltage (same as experiment #1), Controlled variables: Same as outlined in the table for experiment #1. Voltage of the electricity, measured in volts, Speed of rotation, measured in revolutions per minute (RPMs), Height of candle, measured in centimeters, at regular intervals of time (for example, every 5 minutes). This version gives the independent variable (If), basic experimental design (and), and the dependent variable (then) in one sentence. The independent variable must be something measurable that you can change in the experiment. The difference between an independent vs. dependent variable is how that they relate to the overall study. "Different water pressure might also cause different amounts of water to flow and different faucets may behave differently, so to ensure a fair test, I want to keep the water pressure and the faucet the same for each faucet opening that I test. If so, is the lack of color perception compensated by better light/dark vision? Remember that independent variables are on the horizontal and dependent variables on the vertical line of graphs. Published on November 21st 2015 by Papiya Dutta under Science Fair Projects. There are two parts of this hypothesis, and thus two experiments: You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/sample-variables-hypothesis. For instance, maybe the little dog eats more because it is hungrier that day, maybe the big dog does not like the dog food offered, or maybe all dogs will eat more wet dog food than dry dog food. Does type of hair affect the results? "; then, during your feeding experiments you changed both the size of the dog and the time of day the dogs were fed. D[P6KEBOVs.#}E?mys+(zMHPR.Ll+12*u2+_jFSW94(#VUx>2x+1hI3eP. Article was last reviewed on 21st November 2015. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Which soft drink sprays the most liquid after it is shaken? ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030. The dependent variable is the amount of sugar that dissolves in each cup of water. Here are several examples of independent and dependent variables in experiments: In a study to determine whether how long a student sleeps affects test scores, the independent variable is the length of time spent sleeping while the dependent variable is the test score. For this experiment, the independent variable is gender, because nothing else changes. Variables in a Slime Experiment: 1. glue solution type of glue, concentration of the solution. Independent variables are not affected by the other variables; they are independent of the others. In science, a variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. Temperature of the water measured in degrees Celsius, Amount of sugar that dissolves completely, measured in grams. You should do the project yourself, rather than enlist heavy-duty help from a parent or older student. There are two parts of this hypothesis, and thus two experiments: Experiment #1: Measure the voltage of fresh AA batteries as they are used in different current drain devices. If you shake up different kinds or brands of soft drinks (e.g., carbonated), will they all spew the same amount? However, imagine trying to do an experiment where one of the variables is love. Science fairs are an excellent way to earn better grades and win college scholarships and grants. Vocabulary: scientific methods, observation, inference, hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, constant, and control. Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth? What type of plastic wrap prevents evaporation the best? Put one in an area that receives lots of direct sunlight. Sit and observe the subjects as they do ordinary tasks, such as writing, reading or talking, and count the number of times the subjects blink in one minute. xbbc`b``3 ` c Log in. Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of unpopped kernels? 295 19 For example, something might be either present or not present during an experiment. The . Science fair project ideas with independent and dependent variables ile ilikili ileri arayn ya da 21 milyondan fazla i ieriiyle dnyann en byk serbest alma pazarnda ie alm yapn. Ways to Play with an Apple Carton. The volume of liquid and the material of the penny are both controlled variables in this experiment. Experimental Design for Advanced Science Projects page. wind?)? Make a ramp with sides to make sure the car stays on the ramp. How do differences in surfaces affect the adhesion of tape? This video explains independent, dependent, and controlled variables, with a special emphasis on controlling variables in experimental design. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. In science, a variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. How close does a plant have to be to a pesticide for it to work? Gatorade and Improved Athletic Performance. ", "The work that a motor performs has a big impact on its speed, so to ensure a fair test, I must keep that variable the same.". This science fair project teaches kids experimental design and how to test if subjects can really sense if they are being watched. She pointed out that this problem might make a good project for the upcoming science fair. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030. How much water flows through a faucet at different openings? What effect does soap in water have on plants? It is called independent because its value does not depend on and is not affected by the state of any other variable in the experiment. Do different size seeds have different germination rates or percentages? The dependent variable is the amount of sugar that dissolves in each cup of water. Browse independent and dependent variables science project resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources. Measure the dimensions (length, breadth and height) of the bear with a scale. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." The controlled variables are using the same car, using the same ramp at the same angle, and letting go of the car without pushing at the same starting point. The dependent variable is the reduction in the candle's length after 30 minutes. Understanding the definition and different types of variables is vital to properly conducting any science experiment. This plant experiment studies the effects of different types of lighting on plants such as radishes and leaf lettuce. Understanding the definition and different types of variables is vital to properly conducting any science experiment. But it doesn't have to be that way. Water faucet opening (closed, half open, fully open), Amount of water flowing, measured in liters per minute. Fenders: The bicycle either has fenders or it does not, For Good Variables, You Should Answer "Yes" to Every Question. A fifth grade science project is the culmination of the elementary school curriculum. What metal is most resistant to corrosion by sea water? The time for germination to take place and the height of the seedlings are dependent variables. QGT1 Business Management Capstone Financial Document Balance Sheet Forecast . ", "More stirring might also increase the amount of sugar that dissolves, and different sugars might dissolve in different amounts, so to ensure a fair test I want to keep these variables the same for each cup of water. Next day, lift the bear from the water with a plastic fork, sieve or screen. https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030 (accessed March 4, 2023). What paper airplane design flies the farthest? Annette Strauch has been a writer for more than 30 years. Cause and effect relationships explain why things happen and allow you to reliably . The fertilizer added to trays C and D is the independent variable. Did they appear to be slower when colder? 0000001658 00000 n After a week, remove the pennies and see which has been cleaned more. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. It's appropriate to cite references for any information that isn't common knowledge or that draws on the work of others. When conducting experiments, you need to properly note variables to make accurate conclusions. endstream endobj 296 0 obj<. What ratio of vinegar to baking soda produces the best. repeat the same experiment with a di erent variable and obtain the same results B. What plastic wrap prevents oxidation the best? Put the other in an area that gets only indirect sunlight. What is the tallest tower you can build with 100 Legos? For your science fair project, you should change one variable to see what affect it has on another variable. On the other hand, its mass and volume decrease when placed in a hypertonic solution (e.g. is the name given for any part of an experiment that changes. Variables in Your Science Fair Project Variables Scientists use an experiment to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. How to Test Algae Growth for a Science Fair Project, How to Tell the Difference Between Alcohol & Alkene in Labs, Quick & Easy Chemistry Experiments for 10th Graders, Science Experiments on the Formation of Crystals With Ammonia, The Best Ways to Make a Homemade Tornado for a Child's Science Project, Discovery Education: Investigation -- Design Experiment, ScienceProjectIdeasForKids.com: Variables: Independent, Dependent, Controlled, Science Experiments on Evaporation for Kids in Seventh Grade, Science Experiment With Rocks That Absorb Water, Science Experiments on Which Colors of Candles Burn the Fastest. You'll be expected to present data in the form of tables and graphs. Take two dirty pennies and place them in identical shallow containers that can hold liquid. - WGU-C950-Project/C964 Computer Science . You'll be expected to present data in the form of tables and graphs. Norwell Public Schools / Overview. Suzy Kerr graduated from Grady School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Georgia. In order to succeed in scoring a 4 or 5 on the Science EOG you should c ome to class every day ready to learn and be prepared . This experiment is especially good for teaching the concept of a controlled variable if you include a third variable -- how dirty the pennies are. Can a saturated solution of sodium chloride still dissolve Epsom salts? Explore Concave and Convex Mirrors STEM Activity. What are Variables? Learn more: Babble Dabble Do. In our dog example, the dependent variable is how much the dogs eat. Does fertilizer make a plant grow bigger? 0000000988 00000 n We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. Follow the directions at the link to build one, or challenge eighth grade science students to experiment with their own construction methods. So, love is not measurable in a scientific sense; therefore, it would be a poor variable to use in an experiment. Pi Day with Apple Pie. Divide the time by five to get the average period for the first trial. different colored light? On trying out the different ideas, you will find that the degree of expansion of the candy depends on the liquid on which it is kept. Can all controlled variables be held at a steady value during the experiment? You can look at the percentage of seeds that germinate or the rate at which seeds germinate. The dependent variables must be able to be measured and caused by the independent variable. Place the planks at an angle and roll a tennis or golf ball down each plank simultaneously. Blow out a candle with a balloon. Similar to our example, most experiments have more than one controlled variable. All About Apples-Great list of apple learning and play . 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 1. The controlled variables in this experiment are the type of plant used and the amount of water received. Scientific Methods [edit . Plant a few large seeds, such as pumpkin seeds. Or were there no noticeable changes? Check out this amazing collection of free psychology science fair projects, psychology experiment ideas, and sociology project ideas for kids. What effect do additives have on the crystals? , Free Printable Periodic Tables (PDF and PNG), Periodic Table with Charges - 118 Elements, Periodic Table For Kids With 118 Elements. While a study can use dependent or independent analyses to gather as much data as possible, both variables are important because they can impact the . Note where each plant is when you measure it -- outside, inside in a well-lit window or away from direct sunlight -- and conclude which amount of sunlight helps your plants grow the fastest. She has been a radio news journalist and announcer, movie reviewer for Family Movie Reviews Online, chiropractic assistant and medical writer. The controlled variable must not change during the experiment. Test which brand of gum lasts the longest. %%EOF How long does it take for milk to go bad refrigerated and unrefrigerated? The controlled variables are stirring each container the same amount and using sugar from the same bag. Compare how much sugar dissolves in containers of one cup of water, each at different temperatures. Social studies. . Can you graft a tomato plant onto a potato plant? When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. Experimental Design for Advanced Science Projects. Do different brands/types of markers produce the same results? One swing is called a period. Does Water or Vinegar Clean a Penny Better? Some people refer to controlled variables as "constant variables.". Place the others across the room from the window. The Controlled Variables: How are different soils affected by erosion? What type of air freshener makes a school bus smell best to the greatest number of students? Can you change the independent variable during the experiment? The number of seeds that germinate is the dependent variable. The length of the string and the angle of the swing are controlled variables. You will test different surfaces, such as sand paper, floor tile or bare wood, on top of the ramp and measure the time and distance that a toy car travels using at least three trials each. Do plants react to the presence of other plants? Does the color of a crayon affect how long of a line it will write? How does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts? . Prior to this, she wrote curriculum and business papers in four different languages. 0 <<0F81BB1DD7DE6340B13214396CDE52FD>]>> Hypertonic refers to a higher concentration of solutes and hypotonic is just the reverse. Water the seeds equally, and place them where . Even today, the scientific method . Either predict what you expect to happen or form a hypothesis, record the data, determine whether it upholds the prediction, and report your findings. Does it matter whether it contains sugar? Mark the angle from which you will swing the pendulum, then release the weight. Does relative humidity? The speed of the car, measured in distance traveled over a length of time, is the dependent variable. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. Understanding the difference is something 9th graders are tested on in Texas, but more importantly it helps created a deeper understanding of linear relationships and more complicated functions. . You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. How does cold storage affect the germination of seeds? Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant, and she or he must observe them as carefully as the dependent variables. Select subjects, half female and half male. How accurately do egg producers measure eggs? What conditions affect the ripening of fruit? Remove the heat source and record the ants activity again. In regression analysis, the dependent variable is represented by "y", while the independent variables are represented by "x. music? Does the power of a microwave affect how well it makes popcorn? Let the bowl sit overnight in a place away from direct sunlight. Did they appear to move faster or slower when warmer? You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/variables. light? Some of the control variables might be the brand of sunscreen lotion (using the same brand but different SPF ratings), the amount of sunscreen lotion used for each experiment, the type of materials and the type of UV meter used . Cover the penny in one container with 1/8 cup of water, and the other with 1/8 cup of vinegar. Also, check if the taste and/or color of the bears have changed. Plant seeds in identical seedling trays, using two trays of unfertilized soil and two seedling trays of fertilized soil, to see which soil helps the seeds germinate faster. Water pressure, or how much the water is "pushing", Growth of the plant, measured by its height, Growth of the plant, measured by the number of leaves, Make measurements of growth for each plant at the same time, The motor should be doing the same work for each test (turning the same wheel, propeller, or whatever), Same type of bike and tires (except for the fenders! Plot a graph with the time in hours along the X-axis (the dependent variable) and the mass or weight of the gummy bear along the Y-axis (independent variable). You should do the project yourself, rather than enlist heavy-duty help from a parent or older student. An independent variable is what you intentionally change in order to measure the effect of the dependent variable.To measure both of these, you must also have controlled variables: factors that remain consistent throughout every part of the experiment. What solvents (e.g., water, alcohol, vinegar, detergent solution) will remove the ink? To insure a fair test, a good 0000001597 00000 n When sugar dissolves in water, you cannot see any sugar crystals floating in the water or settling on the bottom of the cup when you stop stirring; you'll use these visual indicators to compare how much has dissolved in each cup. A sports medicine researcher has been hired by Gatorade to test the effects of its sports drink on athletic performance. Grow Your Own Bread Mold - 6th Grade Science Activities - SoD www. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." The scientist simply starts the process, then observes and records data at regular intervals. Water both plants the same measured amount and see which grows better. Science Fair Project Guidebook Page 3 It seems that nothing strikes fear in the hearts of students and parents like these three words: science fair project. Procedure. This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Understanding Dependent and Independent Variables across 15+ in-depth pages. 313 0 obj<>stream Do white candles burn at a different rate than colored candles? Check the nature of the graph. Learn more about the chemical reaction process with this classic science experiment that only requires the use of sugar, yeast, a balloon, and an empty bottle. Each has an important role to play in experiments. Measure the dimensions (length, breadth and height) of the bear with a scale. Label the unfertilized seedling trays A and B and the fertilized seedling trays C and D. The controlled variables are: same kind of seed, same type of soil, same amount of water from the same source applied at the same frequency, same amount of exposure to the sun, same room temperature and same dew point. Dependent variable - the variable being tested or . You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. The rate of eye blinking is the dependent variable, because it differs according to the sex of the subjects. All rights reserved. 5th grade. We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. In the best experiments, the scientist must be able to measure the values for each variable. You can turn any science project into a science fair project by finding one factor you can change (the independent variable) and measuring its effect on another factor (the dependent variable). Do different types of knots affect the breaking strength of a rope? Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. Place a heat source -- like a space heater or a bright incandescent light bulb -- directed to warm the air outside the entrance of the ant hill. The Failure attribute is the dependent variable of this study and is a qualitative binary categorical variable. Scientists try to figure out how the natural world works.To do this they use experiments to search for cause and effect relationships. 0000001305 00000 n 0000003495 00000 n If there is a direct link between the two types of variables (independent and dependent) then you may be uncovering a cause and effect relationship. Design an investigaton using eye color as a dependent variable. Design an investigation using eye color as an independent variable. Please enter a search term in the text box. A cut and paste worksheet where they need to arrange the scientific method steps in the. Observe the ants coming and goings and record your findings.

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