Creating Testable QuestionsMrs.Colligan/AAMS/Grade6/Science

After an interesting observation, start

?

?

with a testablequestion?

? ? ??

Testable Questions

Testable Questions have Variables:

• an dependent variable

• an independent variable

• controlled variables

Independent Variable

The single condition that will be

changed in an experiment

Dependent Variable

The condition that will be

measured in an experiment

Controls (Controlled Variables)

The conditions that are kept the

same (unchanged) in an experiment

Testable QuestionDoes changing the height of the

ramp affect the speed of the car going down the ramp?

Testable Question #1

IndependentVariable

Does changing theaffect the

going down the ramp?

DependentVariable

speed of the carrampheight of the

Testable Question #1

Controls (Controlled Variables):

*

*

*

*

Same car

Same

ramp

Surface

the etc…

surface

car roll onto

Testable QuestionDoes changing the amount

light affect the growth rate plants?

of

of

Testable Question #2

IndependentVariable

Does changing theaffect the?

Dependent

Variable

plantsgrowth rate oflight

amount of

Testable Question #2

Controlled Variables:******

SameSame Same Same Sameetc…

type / size of plantwattage of bulb amount of water soilenvironmental conditions

Testable QuestionDoes the temperature of water

sugaraffect the time it takes acube to dissolve?

ColdHot

#3Manipulated

Variable

Testable Question

Does theaffect the time it takes a sugarcube to dissolve?

Responding

Variable

cube to dissolvtime it takes a sug

temperature of water

Testable Question Controls (Controlled Variables)

#3

*****

SameSame Same Sameetc…

size of containeramount of water amount of sugardissolving method

used

Testable or Not Testable?

Testable Questions need 2 parts

1. An Independent variable

2. A dependent variable

Testable or Not Testable? Is this a testable question?

How does a paper airplane fly?

No, because there is not anindependent variable and adependent variable in the question.

Make the Question Testable

To change

testable:

the question so it is

First list some variables that youcould manipulate (change) that are involved

with flight of a wing shape body shape

paper airplane

type of paper used

Make the Question Testable

Second, decide what you are goingto measure (dependent variable). For example: Distance the plane will fly

Length of time the plane stays in the air

Make the Question Testable

Now, select one independent variable and one dependent variable. Put them together to create the testable question. For example:

Make the Question Testable

Does

wingchanging

affect thethe shape of

distance the will fly?

the shape of

the

paper airplane

Does changing body affect the paper airplane air?

thelength of time the

will stay in the

Testable Question Formats

Here are some possible sentence

to create a testable question.

starters

dependent

Does

changing Independent affect v_ari

_abl_e

?variable

How

does changing _independent affect dependent_ ?variablevariable

If I change_

will it affect Dependent variable ?Independent variable

What if it Isn’’’t Testable?

Question: Will a rocket go higher?Think about variables thatmanipulated (changed)

Examples:

could be

shape shape shape

of

of of

the

the the

nosecone

nozzle fins

What if it Isn’’’t Testable?

Question: Will a rocket go higher?

What wouldmeasured?)

be measured? (Can it be

Example: Height the rocket flies

What if it

Isn’’’t

Testable? Question: Will a rocket go

Changing our non-testable to a testable question:

higher?questionIndependent

Variable

Does changing theaffect the height a rocket will fly?

Dependent

Variable

height a rocket will fshape of the fins

What if it Isn’’’t Testable?

Question: Will hairspray move a potato?What variable could be manipulated?

(What could be changed?)

What would be measured?measured?)

(Can it be

What if it Isn’’’t Testable?

Question: Will hairspray move a potato?What variable could be manipulated?

(What could be changed?)

Examples: size of brand size of

potatoof hairspray hairspray container

What if it Isn’’’t Testable?

Question: Will hairspray move a potato?What would

measured?)be measured? (Can it be

Example: Distance the potato moves

What if it

Question: Why

Isn’’’t Testable?is the sky blue?

What variable could be manipulated?(What could be changed?)

What would be measured?measured?)

(Can it be

Is It Testable?

1. Does changing thesurface affect howwill roll?Testable

kind offar my ball

2. Does the size of wheels affecthow far my toy car moves?Testable

Is It Testable?3. Does laundry detergent make

dirty white clothes clean?Not testable

4. How does the thickness of insulation affect the temperature in a dog’s house?Testable

Is It Testable?

5. Do batteries make

light up?

Not testable

flashlights

6. Will the mass of a spaceship

affect how fast it falls?

Testable

Now, Let’s try some TESTABLE QUESTIONS on your own!!