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
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.
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
Making Variables More Concrete
When teaching about the different types of variables, practice is the key.
Teach Engineering
Exploring Variables While Testing and Improving Mint-Mobiles (for Middle School)
There are more ways to use mint candies than to just eat them. In groups, learners design and build race cars using mint candies, drinking straws, Popsicle sticks, index cards, and other materials. They decide on an independent variable...
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.
Curated OER
U-Draw Scientific Variables
In this scientific variables on-line worksheet, students will be given a statement about a specific experiment. Students will use their mouse to circle the independent variable, underline the dependent variable, and box the controlled...
Curated OER
Controls and Variables
In this scientific methods activity, students identify the control group, independent variables, and dependent variables in 4 different experiment descriptions.
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.
Curated OER
Generating Hypotheses and Experimental Design 1
Here is a thorough exercise in forming hypotheses for scientific investigations. Young scientists consider factors that may be related to the question they would like to address. They think through measurable changes that may result from...
Curated OER
Identify the Controls and Variables
In this experiment learning exercise, students read over examples of different experiments and identify the control group, and independent and dependent variables. This learning exercise has 20 short answer questions.
Curated OER
Looking At Variables
Students predict and test different variables that would effect sugar cubes dissolving in water. In this dissolving lesson plan, students have 4 petri dishes with 4 different variations of sugar cubes and water. They predict which will...
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...
Cornell University
Polymers: Instant Snow
Is it easy to make snow? Scholars use critical thinking skills as they investigate the concept of polymers by making snow. The class tests several different variables and takes measurements over the course of several days. They then...
Curated OER
Integrating Physics-Observing and Experimenting to Find Relationships
In this experimental relationship activity, students read about direct and indirect relationships between variables in experiments. They answer three questions about relationships between variables.
Teach Engineering
Exploring Variables While Testing and Improving Mint-Mobiles (for High School)
Mint candies are good for more than just one's breath. Using basic materials such as mint candies, straws, index cards, and Popsicle sticks, scholars create race cars that meet a given budget as well as design constraints. They perform...
CPO Science
Science Worksheets
If you need an array of worksheets to augment your science lessons, peruse a collection of assignments that is sure to fit your needs. With topics such as metric conversion, the scientific method, textbook features, research skills,...
Curated OER
Experimental Research
In this experiment worksheet, students give examples of independent, dependent, and controlled variables. This worksheet is a graphic organizer.
Curated OER
Experimental Design Practice
In this experimental design worksheet, students are given two experimental scenarios to read. They answer questions about each including finding the hypothesis, the independent and dependent variables and controls. They design a graph...
Curated OER
Bellwork for Week 2-Experimental Design and Measurements
For this experimental design and measurement worksheet, learners 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
Ketchup Lab
For this ketchup worksheet, learners investigate the thickness of different types of ketchup. They hypothesize, identify their independent and dependent variables, test their hypothesis and write conclusions based on their data.
Curated OER
Scientific Method Study Guide
In this scientific method worksheet, students answer questions about the various steps of the scientific method. They distinguish between the variables in an experiment and between a hypothesis and a theory.
Curated OER
Interpreting Data-Working with Controls and Variables
Students review the meaning of control and variables, and state difference between dependent and independent variables. They complete a worksheet with the definitions and complete problems that show their understanding.
US Department of Energy
Electromagnet Experiment Stand: A Variable Power Electromagnet
Electromagnets come in both large and small scales—from big machinery in scrap yards to hard disk drives. Here's a resource that provides directions for building a variable electromagnet on a stand. Scholars then experiment with the...