Working scientifically Flashcards
Variables and questions
What are variables sometimes called
Factors
What are variables
Things that can be changed in an investigation
How many types of variables are there
3
Name the types of variables
Independent variables, Dependent variables, Control variables
What is an Independent variable
the thing that you will change in a methodical way during the investigation.
Dependent variable
what will be measured to get the results. You expect it to be affected by (depend upon) what happens to the independent variable.
Control variables
Everything else that can possibly change to affect your results
What is a good investigation
is one which clearly says what 1) Independent variable 2) dependent variable is
Good example of an investigation - “How does the area of the parachute affect the time it takes the parachute to fall?”
It is clear that you are going to try several different sizes (the independent variable) and measure the time taken to drop (the dependent variable).
What happens to the height a squash ball bounces if we use different surfaces?
GOOD
What is the best fabric for making a tent?
BAD
How does the temperature of the room affect how quickly seeds will germinate?
Independent = Temperature Dependent = Time take to germinate
What happens to the distance travelled by a car if the height of the ramp is increased?
Independent = Height of ramp Dependent = Distance travelled by car
Does the size of a magnet affect how many paper clips it can pick up?
Independent = Size of magnet Dependent = Number of clips picked up
