The dependent variable is the variable that – is the variable that you
change or measure
The independent variable that stands alone and isn't changed by the
other variables you are trying to measure. For example, someone's age
might be an independent variable.
Controlled variable – is a variable that is consistent and kept the same
You will grow the plants in pots inside a greenhouse. You divide them into
three groups of 20 plants each. The plants receive the same amounts of
sunlight and fertiliser.
You will give each group a different amount of water:
Group 1 will receive 4 cm of water per week. This is the standard
amount of water for this type of corn.
Group 2 will receive 3 cm of water per week.
Group 3 will receive 2 cm of water per week.
When the plants reach maturity, you will weigh the corn from each plant
and calculate the average for each group.
Dependent variable in this investigation is the corn
Th independent variable is the water
A valid investigation is
Independent
Something that is changed by the scientist on purpose 1
(Change)
What is observed and measured. This may or may not
Dependent
change as a result of the independent variable being 1
(Measure)
changed.
Controlled
Factors kept the same
(Same)
Aim
To find the answer to a question or solve a problem that you are curious about, you wil
step in planning this experiment is to formalise the question into an aim for the experim
The aim of the experiment should be a statement about the problem to be solved
An aim will often start with “To find out…….”or “To investigate………”
A good template you can use is: “To investigate how the independent variable
Be careful not to confuse the question to be investigated with the aim of an experimen
different.
once you have an aim, the next step of an experiment is to predict what
you think will happen based on whatever knowledge you already have. It
does not matter if this prediction is later proven true or false – if you
always know the answer then there is not much point in performing that
experiment!
This prediction is formalised into a written hypothesis for the experiment.
The hypothesis predicts what the experiment will find out.
It is written as a statement, often using "if.....then...."
A good template you can use is: "When the (independent variable)
is changed, then …….. will happen to the (dependent variable)"
A hypothesis is very specific about the exact relationship between
the independent (changed) and dependent (measured) variables.
