Variables in the Scientific Method (Review) Key
Fill out the chart below for both the surface area and the temperature experiments
from above.
(Use the Cricket Chirps & Temperature experiment example to help you.)
Name of
Manipulated Responding Control
Constant
Operational
(Parts of the
Experiment Variable
Variable
Definitions
Variable
experiment that
(Independent)
Factor Tested
(Dependent)
Factor that changes
in response to the
factor being tested.
(Standard for
comparison)
Effect of
Temp. on
Cricket
Chirps
Effect of
Surface area
on reaction
speed
Crickets at
different
temperatures.
. # of cricket
chirps for
each
temperature.
The time it
takes for the
tablet to
dissolve.
Crickets at
a constant
temp.
Species of
crickets
Thermometers
Containers
Leaves
Same
amount of
water. Same
size beaker.
Same
temperature
of water.
Effect of
Temp. on
reaction
speed
The
temperature
of the water.
The time it
takes for a
whole
tablet to
dissolve in
room
temp.
water.
The time it
takes for a
whole
tablet to
dissolve in
room
temp.
water.
Surface area
(tablet
crushed vs.
not crushed)
The time it
takes for the
tablet to
dissolve.
remain the same)
(Instructions or
definitions defined
clearly so the ex.
can be repeated.)
How to count
cricket
chirps.
Fully
dissolved is
defined as
when the
tablet is gone
and no more
fizzing can
be observed.
Same
Fully
amount of
dissolved is
water. Same defined as
size beaker. when the
Same size
tablet is gone
tablets.
and no more
fizzing can
be observed.