Components of and Experiments Independent Variable: The one factor that a scientist purposely changes during an experiment Dependent Variable: The resulting change you measure during an experiment Constants: Factors that are kept the same during an experiment Hypothesis: A prediction that answers a scientific question

Hypothesis 1. Includes both the independent and dependent variables. 2. Predicts the effect that changing the IV have on the DV. Format for Hypothesis: If IV, then DV.

Testable questions/problems 1. Include only one independent variable 2. An experiment can be performed to find the answer 3. Data can be collected as results Sentence format for Testable question: How does changing the IV affect the DV?

Valid experiments 1. Have one 1 independent variable 2. Have one dependent variable that can be measured 3. Control all the known constants 4. Be testable

Good Data Tables 1. Give your table a title that identifies your variables 2. Label the column on the left as the independent variable 3. Label the columns to the right as the dependent variable (Draw boxes under these columns in which you can record the results of each trial for each activity) 4. Include columns at the far right to record the total and the average for each activity. Format for Title: The relationship between the __IV__ and the __DV__.

Good Graphs 1. Title that states the independent and dependent variable in it. (use same title as data table) 2. Independent variable on the x-axis with unit of measure in parentheses (MIX) 3. Dependent variable on the y-axis with unit of measure in parentheses (DRY) 4. Both axis numbered evenly (counting by the same amount each time) (by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s,10’s) 5. Data plotted correctly.

Excellent conclusions 1. Restate the testable question and answer the question. 2. Be specific and use exact wording of the independent variable and the dependent variable. 3. Include the data numbers that explain the highs/lows, best/worst, maximum/ minimum results. 4. Conclude with the relationship of the independent and dependent variables.

A good procedure 1. Gather all the materials needed. 2. Lab set-up 3. Explain how the IV will be measured along with what units will be used to measure the IV. 4. “Do” the action. 5. Explain how the DV will be measured along with the units used to measure it. 6. Repeat steps for other IV changes and record data. 7. Do 3 trials for each 8. Clean up and return materials.