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Variable Question
Variables
Observation vs. Inference
Variables II
100

A student wanted to test how the mass of a paper airplane affected the distance it would fly. Paper clips were added before each test flight. As each paper clip was added, the plane was tested to determine how far it would fly. What is the independent variable?

The number of paper clips

100
Define the word "variable"
Anything in the experiment that can change.
100
What is an inference?
Using your observations to make a guess about an object or an outcome.
100
When Mr. Han use more force to throw the ball, the ball traveled further across the room. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable?
IV- amount of force DV- distance ball move
200

Two groups of students were tested to compare their speed working math problems. Each group was given the same problems. One group used calculators and the other group computed without calculators.  What is the dependent variable?

The students' speed working math problems

200
What is an independent variable?
The variable in the experiment that you change to test.
200
This surface feels slippery. Is this statement an observation or an inference? Why?
Observation, you are using your sense of touch to get information.
200

When Mr. Han use more force to throw the ball, the ball traveled further across the room. List two control variables for that situation.

style of throw,  type of ball  and

location point of release

300

Students of different ages were given the same puzzle to assemble. The puzzle assembly time was measured.  What is the independent variable?

Students of different ages.

300
What is a dependent variable?
The dependent variable is the variable that responds to the independent variable.
300
This footprint was made by a dinosaur. Is this statement an observation or an inference?
Inference, you are guessing its a dinosaur that made the footprint.
300
When John increases the amount of time to study, usually his test scores increase as well. What is the independent variable? What is the dependent variable?
IV- amount of study time DV- test score
400

The higher the temperature of the air in the oven, the faster a cake will bake.  What is the dependent variable?

How fast a cake will bake.

400

What type of variable represents "cause" and what type of variable represents "effect"?

Independent Variable (cause) -------> Dependent Variable (effect)

400

Mr. Han came into class looking all wet. The students thought that he got caught in the rain and ran instead of walked to school. What part of this statement is an observation and what part is an inference? Explain.

Observation- "Mr. Han came into class looking all wet." Inference- "The students thought that he got caught in the rain and ran instead of walked to school."

400

Mr. Han thinks that the "Quantum" Duracell battery has more energy than the regular Duracell battery. He wants to test out his hypothesis by doing the following experiment. He will use one new "Quantum" battery to power a flashlight and a old regular battery to power a clock. He leaves the flashlight and clock on until it turns itself off. He will record the time. Is this experiment considered a controlled experiment? Explain.

No: because there is more than one independent variable.

500

The height of bean plants depends on the amount of water they receive.  What are the Independent and Dependent Variables?

IV:  Amount of water received

DV:  The height of the bean plants

500
What makes an experiment considered a controlled experiment?
The experiment has one independent variable (cause), one dependent variable (effect) and the rest are control variables.
500
When can you use observation in the Scientific Method? When can you use inference in the Scientific Method?
Observation- Research, Perform an Experiment, Analyzing Data Inference- Form hypothesis, Form conclusion
500

Mr. Han thinks that the "Quantum" Duracell battery has more energy than the regular Duracell battery. He wants to test out his hypothesis by doing the following experiment. He will use one new "Quantum" battery to power a flashlight and a old regular battery to power a clock. He leaves the flashlight and clock on until it turns itself off. He will record the time. How can you make this experiment into a control experiment?

1. make sure both batteries are new.  2. Both batteries being used with the same device.  3. Only thing that changes is the type of battery.