science fair project ideas with independent and dependent variablesscience fair project ideas with independent and dependent variables

A sports medicine researcher has been hired by Gatorade to test the effects of its sports drink on athletic performance. The dependent variables are the things that the scientist focuses his or her observations on to see how they respond to the change made to the independent variable. You should do the project yourself, rather than enlist heavy-duty help from a parent or older student. This time eye color is the dependent variable, so you have to research things that might affect eye color. Factors you can control include the type of seeds, length of storage, temperature of storage, and other. On the other hand, its mass and volume decrease when placed in a hypertonic solution (e.g. Make a ramp with sides to make sure the car stays on the ramp. 0 8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas. 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. Students get an amazing chance to win exciting prizes from these projects as well. ", "The many variables above can each change how fast a plant grows, so to ensure a fair test of the fertilizer, each of them must be kept the same for every pot. Place the others across the room from the window. You can. Use a stopwatch to record how long it takes for a teaspoon of sugar to dissolve in each. 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. Check out this amazing collection of free psychology science fair projects, psychology experiment ideas, and sociology project ideas for kids. In this case, it would be the size of the tomatoes in Tray #1. Let the bowl sit overnight in a place away from direct sunlight. In some experiments, time is what causes the dependent variable to change. Copyright 2002-2023 Science Buddies. ", "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.". Who listens to music the most: Teenagers or their parents? Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. You'll be expected to present data in the form of tables and graphs. Plant a few large seeds, such as pumpkin seeds. Time how long it takes to swing back and forth five times. Understanding the definition and different types of variables is vital to properly conducting any science experiment. Take two dirty pennies and place them in identical shallow containers that can hold liquid. Draw conclusions about how heat effected the ants movements. This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. How are different soils affected by erosion? The constants (control variables) are the length of the candle, the diameter of the candle, the allowed burn time and the room temperature. However, it doesnt get dissolved as the gelatin is insoluble in water. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. For example, the following question identifies what is happening as well several variables which are identified. These two variables are: independent variable: Something that you choose to change. Browse independent and dependent variables science project resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources. Controlled variables ensure that the different elements of an experiment are similar enough that you know what is being changed or tested. Petri dishes are perfect for this, but a shallow bowl or empty yogurt cup would also work. When a gummy bear is placed in a hypotonic solution (e.g. 1. The speed of the car, measured in distance traveled over a length of time, is the dependent variable. How do different factors affect seed germination? Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant, and she or he must observe them as carefully as the dependent variables. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. 1. This experiment is especially good for teaching the concept of a controlled variable if you include a third variable -- how dirty the pennies are. Completely immerse the gummy bear in the water. 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. water) then it will increase in mass and volume. Variables are the parts of the experiment that change, or variate. 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 . 2. If you have access to a very cold freezer, you can look at the effects of freeze and thaw cycles. Log in. 0000001305 00000 n What solvents (e.g., water, alcohol, vinegar, detergent solution) will remove the ink? Can a saturated solution of sodium chloride still dissolve Epsom salts? What type of plastic wrap prevents evaporation the best? 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 . Sometimes it is impossible to just change one variable, and in those cases, scientists rely on more-complicated mathematical analysis and additional experiments to try to figure out what is going on. Test which brand of gum lasts the longest. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030. Also, a little more on Oxidation with this Rust Experiment! 0000003495 00000 n Scientists use the scientific method to design an experiment so that they can observe or measure if changes to one thing cause something else to vary in a repeatable way. How much can you dilute a pesticide while retaining its effectiveness? What factors influence the effectiveness of a pesticide (rain? Light is the independent variable, and the dependent variable is plant growth in this classroom experiment. 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. Equally long? ThoughtCo. Design an investigation using eye color as an independent variable. Fill the dish with milk. 3. ratio of solutions- Examples are: 1 part glue + 1 part borax; 2 parts glue + 1 part borax; etc. Variables either control, respond to, or are independent of, a research initiative. 313 0 obj<>stream A cut and paste worksheet where they need to arrange the scientific method steps in the. Divide the time by five to get the average period for the first trial. D[P6KEBOVs.#}E?mys+(zMHPR.Ll+12*u2+_jFSW94(#VUx>2x+1hI3eP. What conditions affect the ripening of fruit? Dependent variables do change according to the other variables; therefore, they are dependent on those variables. The independent variable must be something measurable that you can change in the experiment. 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 the same observation each day for a couple of days more. Does the color of a crayon affect how long of a line it will write? Is the nutritional content of different brands of a vegetable (e.g., canned peas) the same? The subjects used in this experiment were under the color gel, and let the subjects grew. For example, in the dog experiment example, you would need to control how hungry the dogs are at the start of the experiment, the type of food you are feeding them, and whether the food was a type that they liked. 0000002580 00000 n If so, is the lack of color perception compensated by better light/dark vision? You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/variables. startxref This simple trick can prove to be a cool science fair idea. 2. Science Process Skill: Identifying Variables. How permanent are permanent markers? Is the effect the same at very low soap concentrations as compared with high concentrations? Look at ethylene and enclosing a fruit in a sealed bag, temperature, light, or nearness to other pieces or fruit. 9. Does an electric motor turn faster if you increase the voltage? Can you use a household water filter to remove flavor or color from other liquids? Does it matter whether it contains sugar? 4. thickness of slime- Another term for this would be viscosity, which . Measure the dimensions (length, breadth and height) of the bear with a scale. To be clear though, for a science fair, it is usually wise to have only one independent variable at a time. Plant the same number of small seeds, such as tomatoes. In this experiment, the controlled variable is the angle of the board and the type of ball you roll. You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. For example, what if our scientific question was: "How does the size of a dog affect how much food it eats? 0000010199 00000 n In difficult or simple 8th grade science fair projects, the concentration is kept on including scientific methods and experiment designs. Measure its mass with the balance. Add a teaspoon of sugar to each and stir the mixture the same number of times in each container. Examples of Independent and Dependent Variables. What effect do additives have on the crystals? Think of the independent variable as what you change in an experiment, the dependent variable as the response you observe because of what you changed, and the controlled variable as the things you keep the same so they dont interfere with your results. Here is a sample containing the variables and hypothesis. http://biozone.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/4/2/274298/gummy_bear_osmosis.pdf, http://tinkerlab.com/incredible-growing-gummy-bears/, https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/saturday-science-growing-gummy-bears, http://www.homeschool.com/blog/index.php/2014/04/homeschool-science-gummy-bear-osmosis/. Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. The Failure attribute is the dependent variable of this study and is a qualitative binary categorical variable. Do all hairsprays hold equally well? How accurately do egg producers measure eggs? Independent variable - the variable that is altered during a scientific experiment.. Observe which ball reaches the ground first. All About Apples-Great list of apple learning and play . The Effect Of Colored Light On Plant Growth Science ProjectIts range is between 380-750 nm approximately. Record the dimensions and mass of the bear again. of days as the independent variable on a graph paper and the average plant height as the dependent variable. For this experiment, the independent variable is gender, because nothing else changes. What paper airplane design flies the farthest? Learn more: Babble Dabble Do. Pour milk into the dish, we made ours about 2cm deep. kK^s](8n Or were there no noticeable changes? Sometimes you may hear this variable called the "controlled variable" because it is the one that is changed. Prior to this, she wrote curriculum and business papers in four different languages. Why? Design an investigaton using eye color as a dependent variable. How do differences in surfaces affect the adhesion of tape? different colored light? Are dogs (cats/fish/etc.) Factors that you could test include the intensity, duration, or type of light, the temperature, the amount of water, the presence/absence of certain chemicals, or the presence/absence of soil. 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). Typed reports and posters are the norm (sorry, no handwritten text). dependent variable: Something that changes in response to changes in the independent variable. Does seed size affect the growth rate or final size of a plant? Annette Strauch has been a writer for more than 30 years. She holds master's degrees in French literature and education. A variable is something that can change or vary for an experiment to be a success. The Controlled Variables: If I use a AA battery in any current-draining device, then the voltage of the battery will drop over time. wind?)? With different kinds of plants, or inconsistent watering, how well each plant grew might not be a factor of sunlight alone. 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 . Similar to our example, most experiments have more than one controlled variable. Blow out a candle with a balloon. 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. Compare how much sugar dissolves in containers of one cup of water, each at different temperatures. So you turn the up the lights in Tray #1 (the independent variable) and the tomatoes get bigger (dependent variable). Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. Either predict what you expect to happen or form a hypothesis, record the data, determine whether it upholds the prediction, and report your findings. Helpful in u. A Few More Apple Learning Ideas: A magnetic science activity to go along with the book 10 Apples Up on Top. See more ideas about variables, middle school science experiments, scientific method. Some people refer to controlled variables as "constant variables.". How does the pH of soil relate to the pH of the water around the soil? 1. Alternatively, use an artificial light source and completely control the amount of light each group of plants receives. This example project is designed to help students understand the concept of independent and dependent variables. What effect does soap in water have on plants? Teacher location: The teacher is either in the room or not in the room. Does type of hair affect the results? Groups receiving the survey: Teenagers or parents, Amount of time that each person listens to music per day, measured in hours, Ask the question in exactly the same way to each individual. 0000007529 00000 n The ratios of water to sugar and the amount of stirring are both controlled variables in this experiment. This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. Pi Day with Apple Pie. An experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. She completed her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences, also at the University of Georgia. 0000006791 00000 n Fill the bowl with water. Follow the directions at the link to build one, or challenge eighth grade science students to experiment with their own construction methods. Does air temperature affect how long soap bubbles last? Put one in an area that receives lots of direct sunlight. An easy way to introduce this idea is . Ways to Play with an Apple Carton. test results, and 62 normalized values of the SMART test values. The controlled variables in this experiment are the type of plant used and the amount of water received. The independent variable is the condition that you change in an experiment. endstream endobj 296 0 obj<. We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. You'll be expected to present data in the form of tables and graphs. xbbc`b``3 ` c The volume of liquid and the material of the penny are both controlled variables in this experiment. Completely immerse the gummy bear in the water. 0000000988 00000 n Why just one? Copyright 2002-2023 Science Buddies. Even today, the scientific method . Understanding the definition and different types of variables is vital to properly conducting any science experiment. What metal is most resistant to corrosion by sea water? The gummy bear experiment is a fun activity that teaches the basic concept of osmosis to the little ones in an easy manner. Can you graft a tomato plant onto a potato plant? 295 19 Fill two identical containers with two cups of water each -- one hot and one cold. You could add food coloring, flavorings, or other 'impurities'. Mark the angle from which you will swing the pendulum, then release the weight. 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. Water both plants the same measured amount and see which grows better. 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. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. How effective are natural pest deterrents? The seed size is the independent variable, because nothing in the experiment affects the size of the seeds. Next day, lift the bear from the water with a plastic fork, sieve or screen. The length of the string and the angle of the swing are controlled variables. The ingredients of gummy bears are sugar, water, and gelatin, with little water content. Are night insects attracted to lamps because of heat or light? If you are new to doing science projects and want to know the effect of changing multiple variables, do multiple tests where you focus on one independent variable at a time. Does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts? You can make your own wind or water and evaluate the effects on soil. Beverlee Brick began writing professionally in 2009, contributing to various websites. In our example, the independent variable is the SPF rating and the dependent variable is the level of UV radiation. For example, something might be either present or not present during an experiment. stays aloft the longest? 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. The fertilizer added to trays C and D is the independent variable. This plant experiment studies the effects of different types of lighting on plants such as radishes and leaf lettuce. Next day, lift the bear from the water with a plastic fork, sieve or screen. is the name given for any part of an experiment that changes. 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! How does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts? We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. Conduct two more trials and average the period for the three trials. Do different size seeds have different germination rates or percentages? You will change the temperature of the water, so this is the independent variable. And through your studies This experiment demonstrates how sunlight affects different kinds of plants, reinforcing the differing needs of different kinds of plant life. Place the planks at an angle and roll a tennis or golf ball down each plank simultaneously. In most cases, the ball will move fastest on the smooth surface, demonstrating the effect of friction on an object's acceleration. Small Physics Experiments Based on Buoyancy, Boat Flotation Experiments for 5th-Graders, Activities to Teach Science Process Skills to 2nd Grade, How to Test Algae Growth for a Science Fair Project, How to Measure How Much the Sun Shines on Solar Panels, Science Buddies: Variables in Your Science Fair Project, Education.com: 100 Project Ideas (page 2), JVC's Science Fair Projects: Variables: Independent, Dependent, Controlled, Ideas for Controlled-Variable Science Projects, Science Experiments on Which Colors of Candles Burn the Fastest, Science Experiment With Rocks That Absorb Water. You will change the temperature of the water, so this is the independent variable. In the best experiments, the scientist must be able to measure the values for each variable. Document the percentage of large and small seeds that germinate. 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. The time for germination to take place and the height of the seedlings are dependent variables. 0000003038 00000 n Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." Does light affect the rate at which foods spoil? 8th grade science fair projects tend to involve the scientific method and designing an experiment and not making models or explaining processes. Experimental Design for Advanced Science Projects page. Does it matter what the liquid is (water as opposed to juice or um.. urine)? Record the activity of the ants again. Hang the string from a dowel rod taped to the top of a cabinet. 0000001597 00000 n Plant the same number of small seeds, such as tomatoes. 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. How close does a plant have to be to a pesticide for it to work? Fenders: The bicycle either has fenders or it does not, For Good Variables, You Should Answer "Yes" to Every Question. 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 . 295 0 obj <> endobj For example: Sometimes a variable simply represents an either/or (binary) condition. Chemistry Projects All rights reserved. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. music? QGT1 Business Management Capstone Financial Document Balance Sheet Forecast . Kaydolmak ve ilere teklif vermek cretsizdir. 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. Is a classroom noisier when the teacher leaves the room? 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). Scientific Methods [edit . 0000000016 00000 n Measure the dimensions (length, breadth and height) of the bear with a scale. Older students are invited to read more about that in our Also, check if the taste and/or color of the bears have changed. Experimental Design for Advanced Science Projects. 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. However, vinegar, which is actually an acid, can dissolve the candy. Does fertilizer make a plant grow bigger? Does relative humidity? Select subjects, half female and half male. How long does it take for milk to go bad refrigerated and unrefrigerated? Let the bowl sit overnight in a place away from direct sunlight. How does the voltage of an AA battery change over time when used in low, medium, and high current drain devices? 0000002075 00000 n 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. Locate an ant hill. The company wants to claim that when an athlete drinks Gatorade, their performance will improve. This science fair log book is designed for teachers to walk their class through a demonstration science fair project and then have students use that example to . You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. Social studies. The data might get a bit confusing did the larger dog eat less food than the smaller dog because of his size or because it was the middle of the day and dogs prefer to eat more in the morning? Each has an important role to play in experiments. A variable is something that can change. When conducting experiments, you need to properly note variables to make accurate conclusions. 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. Plant a few large seeds, such as pumpkin seeds. <<0F81BB1DD7DE6340B13214396CDE52FD>]>> What are Variables? For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Understanding Dependent and Independent Variables across 15+ in-depth pages. Place some of the plants outdoors or in a well-lit window. Which apps run down a cell phone battery the fastest. What plastic wrap prevents oxidation the best? Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of unpopped kernels? 0000003270 00000 n Remove the heat source and record the ants activity again. Can you make Jello using fresh pineapples instead. Did they appear to be slower when colder? 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. You should have 2 different graphs for the data pertaining to plants growing with and without music on the same graph paper for a good comparative study. If you did not, then other explanations could be given for differences you observe in how much they eat. Variables in Your Science Fair Project Variables Scientists use an experiment to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. Does heating water allow it to dissolve more sugar? Ideas for Controlled-Variable Science Projects. Temperature of the water measured in degrees Celsius, Amount of sugar that dissolves completely, measured in grams. Repeat the procedure with two weights and three weights. Is a seed affected by its size? A dependent variable is the factor, or outcome, that will be measured in an experiment. 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. Record how quickly each plant grows by measuring its growth rate with a ruler. What types of words do babies learn to speak first? The varying weights are the independent variable, while the number of swings, or periods, is the dependent variable. 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. A fifth grade science project is the culmination of the elementary school curriculum. %PDF-1.6 % In regression analysis, the dependent variable is represented by "y", while the independent variables are represented by "x. The . 32. It is called the "dependent" variable because we are trying to figure out whether its value depends on the value of the independent variable. Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students . When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. Do the same types of mold grow on all types of bread? Does magnetism affect the growth of plants? 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. Compare your results. colorblind? repeat the same experiment with a di erent variable and obtain the same results B. Cause and effect relationships explain why things happen and allow you to reliably predict the outcomes of an action. Which soft drink sprays the most liquid after it is shaken? https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030 (accessed March 4, 2023). 5th grade. She pointed out that this problem might make a good project for the upcoming science fair. If you shake up different kinds or brands of soft drinks (e.g., carbonated), will they all spew the same amount? 7 Best Dependent and Independent Variables ideas. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030.
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