Those Vexing Variables

The Mammoth Lakes area regularly releases warnings to hikers and skiers to be careful because melting snow releases trapped gases from volcanic vents. The 17th instructional activity in the 20-part series opens with a demonstration of...

Take young geologists on an exploration of the rock cycle with this six-lesson earth science unit on rocks and minerals. Through a series of discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on investigations your class will learn about the...

In this experimental relationship worksheet, students read about direct and indirect relationships between variables in experiments. They answer three questions about relationships between variables.

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.

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...

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...

What is an insulator? What materials make the best insulator? Watch as Joanne and Steve conduct a simple experiment to see if a plastic cup insulates better than a styrofoam cup. Make a prediction: which do you think will be the better...

Students explore the concepts that enable them to design and conduct sound scientific experiments. They critique a faulty experiment and become familiar with some of the criteria of a good experiment. They conduct their own experiment.

Learn about radiation, and what everyday items produce radiation, with a series of activities about heat transfer. Kids go over basic information about electromagnetic waves and ionizing radiation before performing several experiments...

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...