Earth Science Experimental Variables

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Ethan, a middle school student interested in astronomy, investigates how the Moon's phases affect tidal heights in the coastal town where he lives.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Alex, a middle school student in New York City, is conducting a science project on the city's climate. He decides to measure and analyze the average daily temperatures over a year to understand the seasonal changes.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Maya created different slopes using trays filled with soil. She simulated rainfall using a watering can and measured the amount of soil erosion in each tray.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Noah tested the efficiency of different wind turbine designs—three-blade, two-blade, and vertical axis (which has blades that rotate around a vertical shaft)—by measuring the electricity generated by each in a controlled wind environment.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Mira tested which material—sand, gravel, charcoal, or cotton—best reduced impurities in water. Starting with water at 500 ppm Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), she filtered it through each material and measured the TDS afterward.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Mateo tested how the angle of a solar panel affects its energy output during the summer in Phoenix, Arizona. He measured the average voltage at different angles (0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 45°) over a clear, sunny day in July.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Aisha monitored air quality near her school during different times of the day (morning rush, midday, evening rush) to see how traffic affects pollution levels. She measured the concentration of PM 2.5—tiny particles that can harm health—using a portable air quality sensor.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Carlos tests the effectiveness of water-saving showerheads by measuring the amount of water used during a 5-minute shower with different types of showerheads (standard, low-flow, aerated). Note: An aerated showerhead mixes air with water to reduce water usage while maintaining pressure.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Kofi studies how different materials affect temperature change in a model greenhouse for his science project.

Key Components of an Experiment

Independent Variable: The factor you change or manipulate in the experiment.Dependent Variable: The factor you measure or observe in response to changes in the independent variable. Constants: Conditions or factors that are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable alone.

1. What is the independent variable (IV) in this study?2. What is the dependent variable (DV) in this study? 3. List 2-3 constants in this study.

Byron placed pieces of chalk (simulating limestone) in different liquids (water, vinegar, and soda) and measured the mass of the chalk over a week.