Curated OER
Making Variables More Concrete
When teaching about the different types of variables, practice is the key.
Curated OER
Those Vexing Variables
Students recognize dependent and independent variables in an experiment by practicing manipulation of variables; students practice designing experiments that contain the two types of variables.
Curated OER
Scientific Method, Control and Variables
Middle school scientists bathe in Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob and friends. They define steps in the scientific method. They identify independent variables, dependent variables, and the control for science experiments being carried out...
Curated OER
Identifying Variables
In this variables worksheet, students are given seven experiments that they read and identify the independent variable, dependent variable, control group and standardizing variable.
Biology Junction
Scientific Method - Controls and Variables
Most teens like to sleep in as late as possible, so testing the fastest way to get to school sounds like a great idea. A presentation walks through how to identify the controls, independent variables, and dependent variables in setting...
Curated OER
Variables and Controls in an Investigation
Seventh graders identify variables and controls in a paper airplane investigation. In this scientific method lesson, 7th graders conduct an experiment to determine the variables that affect the flight of paper airplanes. They design an...
Bonneville
Manipulating Design Variables on Solar Heaters
Always strive to make things better. The second of three activities in the Experimenting with Solar Heaters unit has learners design new solar heaters that are more effective compared to the simple models they used in the previous...
Curated OER
Identify the Controls and Variables
In this experiment worksheet, learners read over examples of different experiments and identify the control group, and independent and dependent variables. This worksheet has 20 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Controls and Variables
In this scientific methods worksheet, learners identify the control group, independent variables, and dependent variables in 4 different experiment descriptions.
American Chemical Society
Using Chemical Change to Identify an Unknown
If you discover an unknown powder, how do you determine if it is safe? Lesson uses four different tests to identify the properties of various powders that appear the same. Then scholars get an unknown powder and have to determine which...
American Chemical Society
Using the Combining Test to Identify Unknown Liquids
Once investigators have learned how their mystery liquids interact with water during the preceding activity, they now use their observations to identify them. This is an ideal conclusion to the mini unit on the properties of water.
Curated OER
Variable Skies
Students examine factors which affect a vortex and create model tornadoes. They identify variables, pose a testable question, and perform an experiment using the scientific method. After they collect their data, students write a complete...
Curated OER
Movement
Students explore experimentation as a method for solving problems. In this movement lesson plan, students observe marbles rolling down a ramp, identify variables that could cause the marble to roll faster or farther, test changing one...
Curated OER
You Really "Affect" Me
Middle schoolers examine the effects of variables. They view a video which introduces the concepts, take part in an internet-based activity, then engage in a hands-on activity which allows them to practice what they have been studying.
American Chemical Society
Solubility Test
Make sure to consult the teacher's handbook, Inquiry in Action - Investigating Matter Through Inquiry, for two demonstrations that can be done to introduce solubility and measuring crystal mass before having the class conduct this...
Curated OER
Control and Experimental Variables
In this control and experimental variables learning exercise, students read about the variables in an experiment and practice identifying each in 2 experiments. Students analyze the data in an experiment, identify the hypothesis and the...
Curated OER
Solar Kit Lesson #11 - Power Maximum: An Electrical Determination
Collaborative groups connect resistors and solar panels in series and measure electrical resistance, voltage, and current. The objective is to order 16 solar panels from strongest to weakest. They graph current-voltage and power curves...
Curated OER
Dissolving Gobstoppers
Students design their own experiments . They study the scientific method and determine what a testable question is. They distinguish between questions that are testable and those that are not. They identify variables, make and understand...
American Chemical Society
Using Dissolving to Identify an Unknown
There is a solvent called aqua regis that can dissolve gold! After observing a solubility demonstration, groups receive four known crystals and one unknown. Based on the demo, they design an experiment to determine the identity of the...
Curated OER
Bubbles
Students experiment bubbles. In this scientific method lesson, students identify variables used in proper experiment design. Students conduct experiments with different brands of dish-washing detergent to determine which brand makes the...
Curated OER
Pendulum Lab in 9th Grade Physical Science
Ninth graders conduct experiments to determine what affects the rate of a pendulum's swing. Working in small groups, they identify an independent variable to study and create an experiment to test their hypothesis. When tests are...
Curated OER
Practice Evaluating Experimental Designs
In this experimental design instructional activity, students evaluate experiments using a design checklist. They suggest ways to improve the experiments and they identify all the components of the design.
Curated OER
Bellwork for Week 2-Experimental Design and Measurements
In this experimental design and measurement worksheet, students answer questions about independent and dependent variables, they write hypotheses, they identify instruments that measure mass, weight, and volume and they calculate the...
Curated OER
Word Problem Primer
In this word problem worksheet, high schoolers are given directions and guidance as to how to solve word problems. They are given the variables used in word problems, the math codes, how to change letters into formulas and 5 steps to...