STATION 1: Variables in Controlled Experiments

Independent
variable:
The 1 variable
you change

Dependent
variable:
The one that
changes
because of the
independent
variable

Constant
variables:
The ones that
stay the same

Directions:
Copy each testable question below. Underneath
each question, tell the independent variable,
dependent variable and give at least 2 constant
variables.
1.Will a rubber band or string hold more weight
without breaking?
a.IV: rubber band and string
b.DV: amount of weight it holds
c. CV: same length of material, same weight
added each time, same weights used, etc.
2.Which type of gum has more sugar, brand A,
Brand B or Brand C?
a.IV: brand of gum
b.DV: amount of sugar
c. CV: same size gum, same flavor gum, same
number of pieces, same serving size, etc.
3.Does eating before you run affect how fast you
run?
a.IV: eating breakfast

b.DV: how fast you run

c. CV: same person, same distance, same
location, weather, shoes, etc.
STATION 2: Testable Questions
Testable Question
You can design an
investigation, make
observations and gather
evidence

Non-Testable Question
Based on personal
judgments or opinions

Directions:
For the list of questions below, sort them into
Testable and Non-Testable questions. Write all
testable questions in GREEN and all non-testable
questions in RED.
When finished, choose 2 testable questions to
make a hypothesis to.
List:
Does the amount of sunlight affect how tall a
plant will grow?
Which battery will last the longest, Energizer
or Duracell?
Do roses smell prettier than daffodils?
Are dogs cuter than cats?
Which brand laundry detergent Tide or Gain,
removes the most amount of stain?

 Does the color of a flower affect the attraction

of bees?
Is flavored cream or regular cream better in
coffee?
Hypothesis:
Choose 2 testable questions, and make a
hypothesis for both.

STATION 3: Experimental Procedures

Experimental Procedure
Step by step written set of directions-should be
well designed enough to allow anyone who reads it
to understand the process

Directions:
Decide what logical order this procedure should be
in. When finished, rewrite the procedure so that it
makes sense.

Dyed Flowers:
1. Add 3 drops of food coloring into each of the cups. Each cup should be a different color.
2. Wait one day and observe your flowers petals.
3. Place each carnation stem in a different colored water cup.
4. Fill 3 cups with water half way.
5. Wait one hour and observe your flowers petals.
6. Carefully cut the end of each of the flowers stem.
Answer:
7. Fill 3 cups with water half way.
8. Add 3 drops of food coloring into each of the cups. Each cup should be a different color.
9. Carefully cut the end of each of the flowers stem.
10. Place each carnation stem in a different colored water cup.
11. Wait one hour and observe your flowers petals.
12. Wait one day and observe your flowers petals.

STATION 4: Observations
Qualitative

Quantitative

Describes properties of objects

Uses numbers to describe objects

(color, texture, smell, shape, etc)

(measurements, quantities, etc)

Directions:

1. Color the picture provided, following the color coded

directions.
2.Give at least 5 qualitative and at least 5 quantitative
observations describing the picture.
3.Staple your picture to your answer record
sheet.

Qualitative
The boys shirt is red

Quantitative
He is holding 2 flowers

He is wearing a blue hat There is one dog

The dog is furry

There are two shoes

The dog is brown

There are 12 leaves

STATION 1: Variables
1.
a.IV:
b.DV:
c. CV:
2.
a.IV:
b.DV:
c. CV:
3.

a.IV:
b.DV:
c. CV:

STATION 2: Testable Questions

TESTABLE (green)
TESTABLE (red)

NON-

Hypothesis Statements: If (independent), then

(dependent)

STATION 3: Procedure
1.
2.
3.
4.

5.
6.
STATION 4: Obervations
Qualitative
Quantitative