Components and Interactions
An electromagnet. An iron washer.
What is pull?
Phenomenon: Observations indicate that plant growth varies with seasonal changes, specifically showing reduced growth during colder periods.
Question: How does external temperature influence the growth rate of plants?
Variables:
What is dependent variable?If the external air temperature increases, then the growth rate of the plant, as indicated by an increase in its height, will be greater, assuming consistent sunlight exposure and soil quality.
Phenomenon: "Electromagnets seem stronger with different types of batteries."
Question: "How does the type of battery affect the strength of an electromagnet?"
Variable: Type of battery
What is the independent variable?
The type of metal that is most magnetic.
What is iron?
The North Pole of a Magnet. The South Pole of a Magnet.
What is pull/attract?
Phenomenon: Some students seem to remember information better when they study in a quiet environment, compared to a noisy one.
Question: Does the level of noise in the study environment affect memory retention in students?
Variables:
If students study in a quieter environment, then their memory retention, as measured by test scores, will be higher compared to studying in a noisier environment.
Phenomenon: "The quality of sound produced by a speaker changes when different electromagnets are used in its construction."
Question: "How does the strength of the electromagnet in a speaker affect the sound quality it produces?"
Variable: Sound Quality
What is the dependent variable?
The invisible area surrounding a magnet that is responsible for the attraction and repulsion.
What is a magnetic field?
The North Pole of a Magnet. The North Pole of a Magent.
What is Push/Repel?
Phenomenon: Some students have reported feeling more energetic and focused after eating a healthy breakfast compared to when they skip breakfast.
Question: Does eating a healthy breakfast affect the energy levels and focus of students in school?
Variables:
Hypothesis Statement: If students consume a healthy breakfast, then they will report higher energy levels and demonstrate greater focus in school activities, as compared to days when they do not eat breakfast.
Phenomenon: "Different materials used in the core of an electromagnet seem to affect its strength."
Question: "How does the type of core material affect the strength of an electromagnet?"
Variable: Battery Type
What is a controlled variable?
A common household device that uses an electromagnet to produce sound.
What is a speaker?
A speaker membrane. Air particles.
What is push?
Phenomenon: The strength of an electromagnet appears to vary in different constructions.
Question: How does the number of coils in an electromagnet affect its magnetic strength?
Variables:
If the number of coils around an electromagnet is increased, then the magnetic strength of the electromagnet, as measured by the weight it can lift or the number of paperclips it can attract, will be greater, assuming a constant electric current and core material.
Phenomenon: "Plants are observed to have different growth rates in different soil types."
Question: "What effect does soil type have on the growth rate of a specific plant species?"
Variable Type: Soil Type
What is the Independent Variable?
These are the two points at the ends of a magnet where the magnetic force is strongest.
What are the North and South poles of a magnet?
A wire. A battery.
What is connect/touches?
Phenomenon: Different electromagnets, using wires made of various materials, seem to have varying strengths.
Question: How does the type of material used for the wire in an electromagnet affect its magnetic strength?
Variables:
If an electromagnet is constructed using a wire made of [specific material], then its magnetic strength, as indicated by the number of paperclips it can attract or the magnetic force distance, will be different compared to electromagnets made with wires of other materials, given the same number of coils and electric current strength.
Phenomenon: Students who eat breakfast seem to perform better on tests."
Question: "How does eating breakfast affect test performance in mathematics?"
Variable Type: Student Test Scores
What is the dependent variable?
This change in an electric circuit increases the strength of an electromagnet.
What is increasing the current/amount of power or the number of coils?