How Science Works

Question 1

Independent variable

Answer 1

the one variable that changes in an experiment

Question 2

Dependent variable

Answer 2

the variable that you measure in an experiment. The independent variable causes the dependent variable to change.

Question 3

Control variable

Answer 3

Control variables are kept the same in an experiment.

IF YOU THINK FAIR TEST WRITE DOWN CONTROL VARAIBLE INSTEAD!

Question 4

Categoric variables

Answer 4

described by a label (usually a word) e.g. colour of eyes, type of fruit. Represented on a BAR CHART

Question 5

Continuous data

Answer 5

can take any value e.g. temperature, light intensity. Represented on a LINE GRAPH

Question 6

How do you know if an experiment is repeatable?

Answer 6

YOU repeat the experiment and get the same results

Question 7

How do you know if an experiment is reproducible?

Answer 7

SOMEONE ELSE repeats the experiment and gets the same results.

Question 8

What is meant by the resolution of a piece of equipment?

Answer 8

The smallest quantity that can be read on an instrument. E.g. on a scale 0.01g or on a digital thermometer 0.5°C

Question 9

List the advantages of data loggers and temperature probes

Answer 9

o	Takes readings automatically
o	Takes readings more frequently
o	Higher resolution
o	Don’t need to remove probe to take reading
o	More accurate