1. Designing an experiment

2. Hypothesis Form a hypothesis If…Then…
If we water the plants with Miracle Grow, then the plants will grow taller.

3. Design the experiment
Experiments are conducted under controlled conditions
A variable is a part of an experiment
Two types of variables:
Dependent Variable and Independent Variable

4. Variables
The dependent variable is changed because of changes in another variable
The independent variable is controlled by the scientist to see how it affects the dependent variable
The value of the dependent variable depends on the independent variable

5. Control
A control is the standard that an experimental result is compared to
Without a control your experiment is worthless!!!
A constant are factors that do not change within an experiment

6. Lets give it a try
Farmer Bob wants to see if Miracle Grow will help his garden grow. He wants to set up an experiment to test if the Miracle Grow will have an effect on his plants or not. How could Farmer Bob test the Miracle Grow?

7. Farmer Bob’s Experiment
Farmer Bob can plant two gardens. Garden “A” will be watered with Miracle Grow and garden “B” will not.
What is the independent variable?
The Miracle Grow
What is the dependent variable?
The size of the plants
What is the control?
Garden B
What are some constants?
Soil, water, sunlight, temperature, time