1. Notes Science Tennessee SPI Objective:
SPI 0807.Inq.1
(Variables and Controls)
Science
Tennessee SPI Objective:
Design a simple experimental procedure with an identified control and appropriate variables.
Instructions for Students
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2) Press the right-arrow button on your keyboard to advance through this presentation.
3) If you need help, please communicate with your teacher.
Essential Learning
Students will examine the steps of the scientific method and
key components of experiments to include independent and
dependent variables, and controls.
Check for Understanding
Design and conduct an open-ended scientific investigation
to answer a question that includes a control and appropriate
variables.

2. Notes What Are Control Experiments?
SPI 0807.Inq.1
(Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
What Are Control Experiments?
Also called controls and/or control groups
An experiment to verify the results of another experiment
using the same conditions except for one factor or variable.
An experiment separated from the main experiment where the independent variable being tested cannot influence the results.
How to do a control experiment:
Just remove the independent variable entirely or replace it with a neutral independent variable.
Video Link (7 min 34 sec): Controls, Variables, and Constants
(Controls mentioned from 1 min 52 mark to 7 min 10 sec mark)

3. Experiment Notes Control Experiment (Fruity Pebbles Example)
SPI 0807.Inq.1
(Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
(Fruity Pebbles Example)
Experiment
Does eating a sugary cereal make children hyperactive?
Every day for a week have 3 children eat a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.
Then observe their energy level for the next two hours.
Manipulated/Ind Variable:
-the cereal
Responding/Dep Variable:
-their behavior
This is called the experimental group
Next do a control experiment/control group
(see next slide)

4. Notes Experiment Control Experiment (Fruity Pebbles Example)
SPI 0807.Inq.1
(Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
(Fruity Pebbles Example)
Experiment
Does eating a sugary cereal make children hyperactive?
Every day for a week have 3 children eat a bowl of Fruity Pebbles.
Then observe their energy level for the next two hours.
Manipulated/Ind Variable:
-the Cereal
Responding/Dep Variable:
-their behavior
Do a control experiment by simply removing the independent variable entirely or replace it with a neutral independent variable.
Option 01: Repeat the experiment exactly except this time don't give the children any cereal at all.
Option 02: Repeat the experiment exactly but give them a bowl of cereal that does not contain any sugar.

5. Example: A scientist is conducting an experiment to test how
sunlight affects plant growth.
She places one corn plant 1 meter away from a sunlamp.
She places one corn plant 2 meters away from a sunlamp.
She places one corn plant 3 meters away from a sunlamp.
The independent variable is the distance from the sunlamp
Corn plant 01
Corn plant 02
Corn plant 03
Do a control experiment by simply removing the independent variable entirely or remove its affect
control experiment-place one other corn plant in a dark room

6. Notes Experiment Control Experiment (Energy Drink Example)
SPI 0807.Inq.1
(Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
Experiment
If you consume an energy drink before running
will it enable you to run faster?
On 3 different days at the track, consume one can of energy drink.
(Day 1: Monster, Day 2: Red Bull, Day 3: Rock Star)
Then run 30 meters as fast as you can.
Record the time it takes you to run that distance.
(Energy Drink Example)
Manipulated/Ind Variable:
-type of energy drinks
Responding/Dep Variable:
-how fast you run
This is the experimental group
Next do a control experiment
(see next slide)

7. Notes Experiment Control Experiment (Energy Drink Example)
SPI 0807.Inq.1
(Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
Experiment
If you consume an energy drink before running
will it enable you to run faster?
On 3 different days at the track, consume one can of energy drink.
(Day 1: Monster, Day 2: Red Bull, Day 3: Rock Star)
Then run 30 meters as fast as you can.
Record the time it takes you to run that distance.
(Energy Drink Example)
Manipulated/Ind Variable:
-type of energy drinks
Responding/Dep Variable:
-how fast you run
Do a control experiment by simply removing the independent variable entirely or remove its affect
control experiment-run one more time without an energy drink or have a
glass of water instead.

8. SPI 0807.Inq.1C
Controls
Questions
Science

10. SPI 0807.Inq.1C
Controls
Questions
Science

12. SPI 0807.Inq.1C
Controls
Questions
Science