science fair project ideas with independent and dependent variables

Let it settle for a moment, this will take more time the higher the fat content. This time eye color is the dependent variable, so you have to research things that might affect eye color. How does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts? Are night insects attracted to lamps because of heat or light? It's appropriate to cite references for any information that isn't common knowledge or that draws on the work of others. 0000002075 00000 n Scientific Methods [edit . 1. Remember that independent variables are on the horizontal and dependent variables on the vertical line of graphs. How close does a plant have to be to a pesticide for it to work? test results, and 62 normalized values of the SMART test values. "Different water pressure might also cause different amounts of water to flow and different faucets may behave differently, so to ensure a fair test, I want to keep the water pressure and the faucet the same for each faucet opening that I test. Independent and Dependent Variables Examples - Science Notes and Projects The concept of variables in a science experiment can be confusing for fifth graders. Did they appear to be slower when colder? The independent variable must be something measurable that you can change in the experiment. Document the percentage of large and small seeds that germinate. The result will usually be that the vinegar cleans the pennies better, demonstrating that a lower-pH solution is better at cleaning discoloration due to oxidation. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. In our dog example, the dependent variable is how much the dogs eat. music? 1. The independent variable is the condition that you change in an experiment. A Few More Apple Learning Ideas: A magnetic science activity to go along with the book 10 Apples Up on Top. You'll be expected to present data in the form of tables and graphs. For this experiment, the independent variable is gender, because nothing else changes. 0000002580 00000 n Beverlee Brick began writing professionally in 2009, contributing to various websites. 0000003495 00000 n Does type of hair affect the results? Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." Weight or mass is an example of a variable that is very easy to measure. Here is a sample containing the variables and hypothesis. xref The independent and dependent variables are the two key variables in a science experiment. When conducting experiments, you need to properly note variables to make accurate conclusions. This experiment is especially good for teaching the concept of a controlled variable if you include a third variable -- how dirty the pennies are. In most cases, the sugar will dissolve in the warm water faster, demonstrating that warm mediums -- in which the molecules are moving faster -- dissolve a solid faster than cold mediums. You might have a belief that someone is in love, but you cannot really be sure, and you would probably have friends that do not agree with you. An easy way to introduce this idea is . Helpful in u. She holds master's degrees in French literature and education. Compare your results. She pointed out that this problem might make a good project for the upcoming science fair. Grow Your Own Bread Mold - 6th Grade Science Activities - SoD www. Make similar observations as above for each one of them. With different kinds of plants, or inconsistent watering, how well each plant grew might not be a factor of sunlight alone. You should be able to use whatever you have in the fridge. Does Music Have an Effect on Plant Growth | Science Project Ideas How does the pH of soil relate to the pH of the water around the soil? We used a variety of milks in our science fair project below. The relation between music and plant growth be studied better by plotting the no. 9. Cause and effect relationships explain why things happen and allow you to reliably predict the outcomes of an action. Even today, the scientific method . different colored light? Log in. How accurately do egg producers measure eggs? Science fair project ideas with independent and dependent variables Controlled variables ensure that the different elements of an experiment are similar enough that you know what is being changed or tested. Teaching About Variables in Science - The Owl Teacher ", "The work that a motor performs has a big impact on its speed, so to ensure a fair test, I must keep that variable the same.". Look at ethylene and enclosing a fruit in a sealed bag, temperature, light, or nearness to other pieces or fruit. 0000003270 00000 n Have you identified all relevant dependent variables, and are they all caused by and dependent on the independent variable? colorblind? Take two dirty pennies and place them in identical shallow containers that can hold liquid. The dependent variable is the amount of sugar that dissolves in each cup of water. Time how long it takes to swing back and forth five times. Or were there no noticeable changes? For instance, maybe the little dog eats more because it is hungrier that day, maybe the big dog does not like the dog food offered, or maybe all dogs will eat more wet dog food than dry dog food. Fill the dish with milk. How permanent are permanent markers? Experiments also have controlled variables. 0000003572 00000 n If there is a direct link between the two types of variables (independent and dependent) then you may be uncovering a cause and effect relationship. 8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas - ThoughtCo For example, in the dog experiment example, you would need to control how hungry the dogs are at the start of the experiment, the type of food you are feeding them, and whether the food was a type that they liked. Does magnetism affect the growth of plants? The . https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030 (accessed March 4, 2023). The dependent variable is the reduction in the candle's length after 30 minutes. Blow out a candle with a balloon. Scientific Method In A Sentence - oxkw.galerieadler-heppenheim.de Examples of Independent and Dependent Variables. So, you should keep all the other variables the same (you control them) so that you can see only the effect of the one variable (the independent variable) that you are trying to test. ", "More stirring might also increase the amount of sugar that dissolves, and different sugars might dissolve in different amounts, so to ensure a fair test I want to keep these variables the same for each cup of water. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Planning an investigation Identify the variables. This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. Me and my friend need to complete a project with dependent and independent variables please give ideas QUICK. 6th Grade Science Fair Projects When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. 0000003038 00000 n Plant the same number of small seeds, such as tomatoes. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030. Hypertonic refers to a higher concentration of solutes and hypotonic is just the reverse. PDF a resource for teachers, students and parents - SCDHEC Does it matter whether it contains sugar? You can. Ideas for Controlled-Variable Science Projects - Seattle PI Does an electric motor turn faster if you increase the voltage? NEED HELP WITH SCIENCE PROJECT!!!!!!!! Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." The seed size is the independent variable, because nothing in the experiment affects the size of the seeds. Select subjects, half female and half male. The dependent variables are the things that the scientist focuses his or her observations on to see how they respond to the change made to the independent variable. What metal is most resistant to corrosion by sea water? While a study can use dependent or independent analyses to gather as much data as possible, both variables are important because they can impact the . Gatorade and Improved Athletic Performance. If you have access to a very cold freezer, you can look at the effects of freeze and thaw cycles. We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. 2. The rate of eye blinking is the dependent variable, because it differs according to the sex of the subjects. You should do the project yourself, rather than enlist heavy-duty help from a parent or older student. The controlled variable must not change during the experiment. Make a ramp with sides to make sure the car stays on the ramp. The controlled variables are using the same car, using the same ramp at the same angle, and letting go of the car without pushing at the same starting point. 0000007306 00000 n It is the variable you control. The subjects used in this experiment were under the color gel, and let the subjects grew. This is what we are observing and measuring. Procedure. Place a heat source -- like a space heater or a bright incandescent light bulb -- directed to warm the air outside the entrance of the ant hill. Measure its mass with the balance. Label the unfertilized seedling trays A and B and the fertilized seedling trays C and D. The controlled variables are: same kind of seed, same type of soil, same amount of water from the same source applied at the same frequency, same amount of exposure to the sun, same room temperature and same dew point. Get two specimens of the same small plant that can easily be checked on and moved. dependent variable: Something that changes in response to changes in the independent variable. You could add food coloring, flavorings, or other 'impurities'. The varying weights are the independent variable, while the number of swings, or periods, is the dependent variable. Record the dimensions and mass of the bear again. Can a saturated solution of sodium chloride still dissolve Epsom salts? The dependent variables must be able to be measured and caused by the independent variable. Article was last reviewed on 21st November 2015. The company wants to claim that when an athlete drinks Gatorade, their performance will improve. However, imagine trying to do an experiment where one of the variables is love. Older students are invited to read more about that in our In the best experiments, the scientist must be able to measure the values for each variable. What factors influence the effectiveness of a pesticide (rain? It is called independent because its value does not depend on and is not affected by the state of any other variable in the experiment. What ratio of vinegar to baking soda produces the best. There are two parts of this hypothesis, and thus two experiments: You can find this page online at: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-fair/sample-variables-hypothesis. The constants (control variables) are the length of the candle, the diameter of the candle, the allowed burn time and the room temperature. Divide the time by five to get the average period for the first trial. . All about WGU Capstone Project: Ideas, . On trying out the different ideas, you will find that the degree of expansion of the candy depends on the liquid on which it is kept. Some of the control variables might be the brand of sunscreen lotion (using the same brand but different SPF ratings), the amount of sunscreen lotion used for each experiment, the type of materials and the type of UV meter used . Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant, and she or he must observe them as carefully as the dependent variables. This video explains independent, dependent, and controlled variables, with a special emphasis on controlling variables in experimental design. Project Idea: Independent vs. Dependent Variables What effect do additives have on the crystals? 4. thickness of slime- Another term for this would be viscosity, which . 2. borax solution- source of borax, concentration of the solution. To be clear though, for a science fair, it is usually wise to have only one independent variable at a time. What soils best support structures, such as buildings? kK^s](8n How effective are natural pest deterrents? Water both plants the same measured amount and see which grows better. This experiment checks whether a particular kind of plant prefers direct or indirect sunlight. What types of words do babies learn to speak first? Statistics are defined as a field that involves tabulating, depicting, and describing. Scientists try to figure out how the natural world works.To do this they use experiments to search for cause and effect relationships. The Dependent Variable: This is the difference between the two parts of the experiment that happens when the independent variable is changed. The controlled variables are stirring each container the same amount and using sugar from the same bag. salt water). You will test different surfaces, such as sand paper, floor tile or bare wood, on top of the ramp and measure the time and distance that a toy car travels using at least three trials each. http://biozone.weebly.com/uploads/2/7/4/2/274298/gummy_bear_osmosis.pdf, http://tinkerlab.com/incredible-growing-gummy-bears/, https://www.childrensmuseum.org/blog/saturday-science-growing-gummy-bears, http://www.homeschool.com/blog/index.php/2014/04/homeschool-science-gummy-bear-osmosis/. To insure a fair test, a good Think of the independent variable as what you change in an experiment, the dependent variable as the response you observe because of what you changed, and the controlled variable as the things you keep the same so they dont interfere with your results. The ratios of water to sugar and the amount of stirring are both controlled variables in this experiment. 0000001658 00000 n What is the tallest tower you can build with 100 Legos? Some people refer to controlled variables as "constant variables.". Sometimes you may hear this variable called the "controlled variable" because it is the one that is changed. The controlled variables are stirring each container the same amount and using sugar from the same bag. Strauch holds a Master of Arts in speech/broadcast journalism from Bob Jones University, where she also served on the faculty of the radio/TV department. This plant experiment studies the effects of different types of lighting on plants such as radishes and leaf lettuce. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. This science fair log book is designed for teachers to walk their class through a demonstration science fair project and then have students use that example to . 8th grade science fair projects tend to involve the scientific method and designing an experiment and not making models or explaining processes. After a week, remove the pennies and see which has been cleaned more. 8th grade science fair projects tend to involve the scientific method and designing an experiment and not making models or explaining processes. And through your studies Measure the dimensions (length, breadth and height) of the bear with a scale. Plant the same number of small seeds, such as tomatoes. Equally long? Does the color of a crayon affect how long of a line it will write? Does relative humidity? The kids will be enthralled to display their knowledge to the audience in a fun way. Groups receiving the survey: Teenagers or parents, Amount of time that each person listens to music per day, measured in hours, Ask the question in exactly the same way to each individual. For example, something might be either present or not present during an experiment. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. If I perform this test in low, medium, and high current drain devices, then the rate of voltage drop will be slowest in the low current drain device and fastest in the high current drain device. Can you use a household water filter to remove flavor or color from other liquids? What type of plastic wrap prevents evaporation the best? What type of air freshener makes a school bus smell best to the greatest number of students? Scientific Method Activity PdfScientific Method: The Roly Poly It's free to sign up and bid on jobs. How does cold storage affect the germination of seeds? Let the bowl sit overnight in a place away from direct sunlight. This simple trick can prove to be a cool science fair idea. ThoughtCo. On the other hand, its mass and volume decrease when placed in a hypertonic solution (e.g. Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth? You want to know which brand of fertilizer is best for your plants. These two variables are: independent variable: Something that you choose to change. Why just one? Light is the independent variable, and the dependent variable is plant growth in this classroom experiment. Do plants react to the presence of other plants? 295 0 obj <> endobj Sample Variables & Hypothesis - Science Buddies <<0F81BB1DD7DE6340B13214396CDE52FD>]>> Understanding the definition and different types of variables is vital to properly conducting any science experiment. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. Independent Variable . Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of unpopped kernels? See more ideas about variables, middle school science experiments, scientific method. A properly designed experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. Voltage of the electricity, measured in volts, Speed of rotation, measured in revolutions per minute (RPMs), Height of candle, measured in centimeters, at regular intervals of time (for example, every 5 minutes). Next day, lift the bear from the water with a plastic fork, sieve or screen. Completely immerse the gummy bear in the water. If so, is the lack of color perception compensated by better light/dark vision? However, it doesnt get dissolved as the gelatin is insoluble in water. a variable that does not depend on another variable or other variables for its value. 313 0 obj<>stream Small Physics Experiments Based on Buoyancy, Boat Flotation Experiments for 5th-Graders, Activities to Teach Science Process Skills to 2nd Grade, How to Test Algae Growth for a Science Fair Project, How to Measure How Much the Sun Shines on Solar Panels, Science Buddies: Variables in Your Science Fair Project, Education.com: 100 Project Ideas (page 2), JVC's Science Fair Projects: Variables: Independent, Dependent, Controlled, Ideas for Controlled-Variable Science Projects, Science Experiments on Which Colors of Candles Burn the Fastest, Science Experiment With Rocks That Absorb Water. Science Fair Project Ideas for 12th Graders, Science Fair Experiment Ideas: Food and Cooking Chemistry, Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College. How much can you dilute a pesticide while retaining its effectiveness? Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. Independent variable - the variable that is altered during a scientific experiment.. Does Water or Vinegar Clean a Penny Better? Gummy Bear Experiment - Science Project Ideas D[P6KEBOVs.#}E?mys+(zMHPR.Ll+12*u2+_jFSW94(#VUx>2x+1hI3eP. Water the seeds equally, and place them where . Learn more: Babble Dabble Do. There are three types- an independent variable (sometimes called a manipulated variable), a dependent variable (sometimes referred to as the responding variable), and the controlled variable. Set up a series of bowls on the table and fill them with different solutions like that of baking soda, vinegar, salt, distilled water, etc. Norwell Public Schools / Overview. Can you make Jello using fresh pineapples instead. You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. The number of dependent variables in an experiment varies, but there can be more than one. Copyright 2002-2023 Science Buddies. The speed of the car, measured in distance traveled over a length of time, is the dependent variable. A variable is something that can change. Prior to this, she wrote curriculum and business papers in four different languages. For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. The time for germination to take place and the height of the seedlings are dependent variables. Next day, lift the bear from the water with a plastic fork, sieve or screen. Temperature of the water measured in degrees Celsius, Amount of sugar that dissolves completely, measured in grams. For example, the following question identifies what is happening as well several variables which are identified.

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