Experimental Design
These are the variables that stay the same in a science experiment.
Control variables
The variable changed by the investigator.
independent variable
The variable that is recorded as data in a science investigation.
A method used by scientists to answer an investigative question.
Living organisms
Biotic
This is the variable that the investigator changes in an experiment.
Independent variable
What's the independent variable?
How does the amount of water effect plant growth?
What's the dependent variable:
How does light color affect plant height?
plant height
Data that is numbers
quantitative data
abiotic
This variable is recorded as data due to its ability to change because of the manipulated variable.
dependent variable
What's the independent variable?
Do yeast grow better with salt or sugar?
salt/sugar
What's the dependent variable?
Which type of apple tastes best?
taste
Data that describes the nature of something using our senses.
qualitative
The study of organisms in relation to one another.
Ecology
Before the investigation the scientist forms this, an educated guess, or prediction about the outcome of the investigation.
type of music
What's the dependent variable:
Which type of food do dogs prefer?
amount of food eaten, number of times the dogs visit the differnt dishes, etc...
What is seen during the experiment that is measured with your senses or a tool.
One type of organism (species) living in an area.
When a scientist is done analyzing the results of an investigation they usually write this and share their findings.
conclusion
What's the independent vairable?
Where are most germs in a school?
location within the school
IE: bathroom, desk, kitchen, library etc..
What's the dependent variable?
How is egg boyancy affected by water temperature?
An explanation made about what is observed during an experiment.
inference
The biotic portion of an ecosystem only.