What is a Variable?

Types of Variables

• Manipulated Variable

The condition that will be changed in an experiment.

• Responding Variable

The condition that will be measured in an experiment.

Types of Variables

• Controlled Variables

The conditions that are kept the same (unchanged) in an experiment.

Types of Variables

Identify variables for the following experiments.

You can do it!

Practice

• Does changing the temperature of a ball affect the height the ball will bounce?

Testable Question #1

HotCold

Manipulated Variable

Responding Variable

Identify Variables #1

Cold Hot

• Does changing the temperature of a ball affect the height the ball will bounce?

• Controlled Variables:

* Same ball

* Dropped from the same height

* Dropped onto the same surface

* etc…

Identify Variables #1

• Does changing the color of light affect the growth rate of plants?

Testable Question #2

Manipulated Variable

Responding Variable

Identify Variables #2

• Does changing the color of light affect the growth rate of plants?

• Controlled Variables: * Same type / size of plant * Same wattage of bulb * Same amount of water * Same soil * Light on for the same amount of

time * etc…

Identify Variables #2

• How does the size of a parachute affect the time it takes a toy

hippo to fall 10 feet?

Testable Question #3

Manipulated Variable

Responding Variable

Identify Variables #3

• How does the size of a parachute affect the time it takes a toy hippo to fall 10 feet?

• Controlled Variables:

* Same hippo

* Dropped from the same height

* Same parachute fabric

* Same length of strings on the parachute

* etc…

Identify Variables #3