Bellwork
SPI 0807.Inq.1
Controls and Variables
Jan 31, 2013
 A student conducts an experiment to determine which type of
sour candy causes the most dramatic facial reaction when eaten.
Experimental Group
(A) She uses 3 similar types of sour candy in a series of experiments
(Sour Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and Warheads).
She gives 1 piece of candy to 3 different students
Control Group
(B) Then she uses three types of non-sour candy that look and feel
like the sour candy in a series of experiments.
(Reg Skittles, Gummi Bears, and Jaw Breakers)
Again she gives 1 piece of candy to 3 different students
Identify the following:
(1) Independent and dependent variable in the experimental group
(2) Constants
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Bellwork
SPI 0807.Inq.1
Controls and Variables

Experimental group
(A) All the details of the series of experiments using the 3
similar types of sour candy
Control group
(B) All the details of the series of experiments using the 3
types ofThe
non-sour
NOTE:
types candy.
of non-sour candy are control variables!
Independent and Dependent variables
-Independent: The different types of sour candy
-Dependent: The kid’s facial expressions
These are some constants
-Gave each person the exact same amount of candy (1 piece)
-Used the same 3 students for all the experiments
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PLAN
SPI 0807.Inq.1
Controls and Variables

1) Discuss objective and bell work
2) Ask about birthdays
3) Watch Study Jams about the scientific method
Link 01: Study Jams Website

Select “science”, then “scientific inquiry”, then “scientific methods”
4) Watch/Listen to song about variables and controls
Link 02: Variable Song on Youtube
5) Review and discuss one science project (teacher lead)
6) Analyze science projects at the work stations
 Identify the independent variable
 Identify one dependent variable
7) COPY IN YOUR AGENDA: No Homework:
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