science fair project ideas with independent and dependent variables

8th grade science fair projects tend to involve the scientific method and designing an experiment and not making models or explaining processes. Vocabulary: scientific methods, observation, inference, hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, constant, and control. You should be able to use whatever you have in the fridge. A variable is something that can change or vary for an experiment to be a success. 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. Published on November 21st 2015 by Papiya Dutta under Science Fair Projects. . When conducting experiments, you need to properly note variables to make accurate conclusions. How are different soils affected by erosion? Water both plants the same measured amount and see which grows better. Check out this big list of Simple Science Experiments for Kids! Apr 3, 2020 - Explore Owen Koimburi's board "INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT VARIABLES" on Pinterest. Due to the process of osmosis, i.e., the movement of water molecules through a selectively permeable membrane from an area of high concentration to that of a lower concentration, the bear starts to grow. Are night insects attracted to lamps because of heat or light? The various surfaces on the ramp are the independent variables. 8th grade science fair projects tend to involve the scientific method and designing an experiment and not making models or explaining processes. In this case, it would be the size of the tomatoes in Tray #1. However, vinegar, which is actually an acid, can dissolve the candy. The dependent variable is the reduction in the candle's length after 30 minutes. Record the activity of the ants again. The controlled variables in this experiment are the type of plant used and the amount of water received. When a scientist performs a test or survey on different groups of people or things, those groups define the independent variable. Experimental Design for Advanced Science Projects page. 0000007529 00000 n different colored light? We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. Draw conclusions about how heat effected the ants movements. Cause and effect relationships explain why things happen and allow you to reliably . A function f may map x to some expression in x. 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. Repeat the procedure with two weights and three weights. We use cookies and those of third party providers to deliver the best possible web experience and to compile statistics. If you are new to doing science projects and want to know the effect of changing multiple variables, do multiple tests where you focus on one independent variable at a time. In this experiment, the controlled variable is the angle of the board and the type of ball you roll. Variables in a Slime Experiment: 1. glue solution type of glue, concentration of the solution. Helpful in u. What effect do additives have on the crystals? Even today, the scientific method . Hypertonic refers to a higher concentration of solutes and hypotonic is just the reverse. Remove the heat source and record the ants activity again. Article was last reviewed on 21st November 2015. They will also be thrilled at the idea that their favorite gummy bears could teach them a lesson or two in science. This is determined by measuring the height of the candle before and after allowing it to burn for 30 minutes. 0000003495 00000 n And through your studies 0000000016 00000 n 0000006791 00000 n As a martial arts and group fitness instructor, she has taught exercise classes in North America, Europe and Asia. Did they appear to move faster or slower when warmer? %PDF-1.6 % Alternatively, use an artificial light source and completely control the amount of light each group of plants receives. When printing this document, you may NOT modify it in any way. 9. The independent and dependent variables are the two key variables in a science experiment. The Effect Of Colored Light On Plant Growth Science ProjectIts range is between 380-750 nm approximately. Grow Your Own Bread Mold - 6th Grade Science Activities - SoD www. The kids will be enthralled to display their knowledge to the audience in a fun way. Is the effect the same at very low soap concentrations as compared with high concentrations? Experimental Design for Advanced Science Projects. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 1. The relation between music and plant growth be studied better by plotting the no. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." Either predict what you expect to happen or form a hypothesis, record the data, determine whether it upholds the prediction, and report your findings. Which apps run down a cell phone battery the fastest. Chemistry Projects Does it matter what the liquid is (water as opposed to juice or um.. urine)? Typed reports and posters are the norm (sorry, no handwritten text). Follow the directions at the link to build one, or challenge eighth grade science students to experiment with their own construction methods. Test which brand of gum lasts the longest. Does the color of a crayon affect how long of a line it will write? Start seedlings, or purchase some that are already a few inches high. How much water flows through a faucet at different openings? How does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts? It is the variable you control. colorblind? What factors influence the effectiveness of a pesticide (rain? The controlled variables are stirring each container the same amount and using sugar from the same bag. Pour milk into the dish, we made ours about 2cm deep. water) then it will increase in mass and volume. Sit and observe the subjects as they do ordinary tasks, such as writing, reading or talking, and count the number of times the subjects blink in one minute. 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. In our example, the independent variable is the SPF rating and the dependent variable is the level of UV radiation. Conduct two more trials and average the period for the three trials. She has been a radio news journalist and announcer, movie reviewer for Family Movie Reviews Online, chiropractic assistant and medical writer. What type of air freshener makes a school bus smell best to the greatest number of students? Plant a few large seeds, such as pumpkin seeds. What solvents (e.g., water, alcohol, vinegar, detergent solution) will remove the ink? Design an investigation using eye color as an independent variable. , Free Printable Periodic Tables (PDF and PNG), Periodic Table with Charges - 118 Elements, Periodic Table For Kids With 118 Elements. What metal is most resistant to corrosion by sea water? Mark the angle from which you will swing the pendulum, then release the weight. It's appropriate to cite references for any information that isn't common knowledge or that draws on the work of others. Each has an important role to play in experiments. D[P6KEBOVs.#}E?mys+(zMHPR.Ll+12*u2+_jFSW94(#VUx>2x+1hI3eP. All rights reserved. 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. Gatorade and Improved Athletic Performance. Does light affect the rate at which foods spoil? The volume of liquid and the material of the penny are both controlled variables in this experiment. 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 . The independent variable is the condition that you change in an experiment. Have you identified all relevant controlled variables? When a gummy bear is placed in a hypotonic solution (e.g. Time how long it takes to swing back and forth five times. . Does the power of a microwave affect how well it makes popcorn? Take two dirty pennies and place them in identical shallow containers that can hold liquid. Blow out a candle with a balloon. Suzy has been a successful health, fitness and nutrition writer for more than 10 years, and has been published in various print and online publications. 0000000988 00000 n You will change the temperature of the water, so this is the independent variable. Independent Variable: Time (how long each battery operates in a given device), Independent variable: Type of current drain device (as quantified by low, medium, and high), Dependent variable: Voltage (same as experiment #1), Controlled variables: Same as outlined in the table for experiment #1. This version gives the independent variable (If), basic experimental design (and), and the dependent variable (then) in one sentence. "; then, during your feeding experiments you changed both the size of the dog and the time of day the dogs were fed. Is the nutritional content of different brands of a vegetable (e.g., canned peas) the same? Measure the dimensions (length, breadth and height) of the bear with a scale. Science Process Skill: Identifying Variables. For example: Sometimes a variable simply represents an either/or (binary) condition. This plant experiment studies the effects of different types of lighting on plants such as radishes and leaf lettuce. How to Test Algae Growth for a Science Fair Project, How to Tell the Difference Between Alcohol & Alkene in Labs, Quick & Easy Chemistry Experiments for 10th Graders, Science Experiments on the Formation of Crystals With Ammonia, The Best Ways to Make a Homemade Tornado for a Child's Science Project, Discovery Education: Investigation -- Design Experiment, ScienceProjectIdeasForKids.com: Variables: Independent, Dependent, Controlled, Science Experiments on Evaporation for Kids in Seventh Grade, Science Experiment With Rocks That Absorb Water, Science Experiments on Which Colors of Candles Burn the Fastest. Does seed size affect the growth rate or final size of a plant? dependent variable: Something that changes in response to changes in the independent variable. Let the bowl sit overnight in a place away from direct sunlight. Volleyball Machine: 2019 Engineering Challenge. Put the other in an area that gets only indirect sunlight. "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. Remember that independent variables are on the horizontal and dependent variables on the vertical line of graphs. For this experiment, the independent variable is gender, because nothing else changes. So you turn the up the lights in Tray #1 (the independent variable) and the tomatoes get bigger (dependent variable). For any other use, please contact Science Buddies. Controlled variables are quantities that a scientist wants to remain constant, and she or he must observe them as carefully as the dependent variables. ). You could add food coloring, flavorings, or other 'impurities'. Scientific Methods [edit . Fenders: The bicycle either has fenders or it does not, For Good Variables, You Should Answer "Yes" to Every Question. 0000003038 00000 n In some experiments, time is what causes the dependent variable to change. Compare how much sugar dissolves in containers of one cup of water, each at different temperatures. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas." All About Apples-Great list of apple learning and play . Design an investigaton using eye color as a dependent variable. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. Fill the dish with milk. Does an electric motor turn faster if you increase the voltage? There is no such thing as a "love-meter." Or were there no noticeable changes? The concept of variables in a science experiment can be confusing for fifth graders. However, imagine trying to do an experiment where one of the variables is love. How does the pH of soil relate to the pH of the water around the soil? Norwell Public Schools / Overview. Does the presence of detergent in water affect plant growth? Typed reports and posters are the norm (sorry, no handwritten text). Scientists try to figure out how the natural world works.To do this they use experiments to search for cause and effect relationships. Some people refer to controlled variables as "constant variables.". Variables are the parts of the experiment that change, or variate. Log in. Can a saturated solution of sodium chloride still dissolve Epsom salts? Experiment #2: Compare the rate of voltage change between devices with low, medium, and high current drain. 0000003270 00000 n If you shake up different kinds or brands of soft drinks (e.g., carbonated), will they all spew the same amount? Examples of Independent and Dependent Variables. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist. The speed of the car, measured in distance traveled over a length of time, is the dependent variable. Place the planks at an angle and roll a tennis or golf ball down each plank simultaneously. In science, a variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. You want to know which brand of fertilizer is best for your plants. Independent Variable . When sugar dissolves in water, you cannot see any sugar crystals floating in the water or settling on the bottom of the cup when you stop stirring; you'll use these visual indicators to compare how much has dissolved in each cup. This experiment checks whether a particular kind of plant prefers direct or indirect sunlight. You can look at the percentage of seeds that germinate or the rate at which seeds germinate. Scientists try to figure out how the natural world works.To do this they use experiments to search for cause and effect relationships. Which soft drink sprays the most liquid after it is shaken? What types of words do babies learn to speak first? If I use a AA battery in any current-draining device, then the voltage of the battery will drop over time. 0000007306 00000 n The number of seeds that germinate is the dependent variable. Divide the time by five to get the average period for the first trial. 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. Can you make Jello using fresh pineapples instead. These two variables are: independent variable: Something that you choose to change. 8th Grade Science Fair Project Ideas. Pi Day with Apple Pie. What plastic wrap prevents oxidation the best? music? The fertilizer added to trays C and D is the independent variable. Here is a sample containing the variables and hypothesis. Well, if you changed more than one variable it would be hard to figure out which change is causing what you observe. Do different brands of popcorn leave different amounts of unpopped kernels? kK^s](8n Can you change the independent variable during the experiment? NEED HELP WITH SCIENCE PROJECT!!!!!!!! Does type of hair affect the results? Ways to Play with an Apple Carton. Make similar observations as above for each one of them. She completed her Master's degree in Nutrition Sciences, also at the University of Georgia. 0000000704 00000 n This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. 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. 0 Annette Strauch has been a writer for more than 30 years. The Failure attribute is the dependent variable of this study and is a qualitative binary categorical variable. 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. Make a ramp with sides to make sure the car stays on the ramp. Place the others across the room from the window. Put one in an area that receives lots of direct sunlight. Similar to our example, most experiments have more than one controlled variable. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/8th-grade-science-fair-projects-609030. Independent variable - the variable that is altered during a scientific experiment.. Measure its mass with the balance. All about WGU Capstone Project: Ideas, . 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. Place some of the plants outdoors or in a well-lit window. Cover the penny in one container with 1/8 cup of water, and the other with 1/8 cup of vinegar. Plant seeds in identical seedling trays, using two trays of unfertilized soil and two seedling trays of fertilized soil, to see which soil helps the seeds germinate faster. Analyze the data to determine if one sex blinks more frequently than the other and which one blinks the most. is the name given for any part of an experiment that changes. So, love is not measurable in a scientific sense; therefore, it would be a poor variable to use in an experiment. Can you use a household water filter to remove flavor or color from other liquids? In the best experiments, the scientist must be able to measure the values for each variable. Measure its mass with the balance. Water pressure, or how much the water is "pushing", Growth of the plant, measured by its height, Growth of the plant, measured by the number of leaves, Make measurements of growth for each plant at the same time, The motor should be doing the same work for each test (turning the same wheel, propeller, or whatever), Same type of bike and tires (except for the fenders! 2. . Are dogs (cats/fish/etc.) What paper airplane design flies the farthest? In this experiment, you'll determine the percentage of large and small seeds that germinate. 0000003572 00000 n What ratio of vinegar to baking soda produces the best. trailer Do white candles burn at a different rate than colored candles? 1. A cut and paste worksheet where they need to arrange the scientific method steps in the. Our goal is to make science relevant and fun for everyone. This is an EOG test for 8th-grade science designed to refresh your memory. Science Fair Project Ideas for Kids, Middle & High School Students, Science Buddies: Variables in Your Science Fair Project. What conditions affect the ripening of fruit? 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. Note where each plant is when you measure it -- outside, inside in a well-lit window or away from direct sunlight -- and conclude which amount of sunlight helps your plants grow the fastest. Try some easy projects that use three variables to understand the importance of each variable in an experiment. The Dependent Variable: This is the difference between the two parts of the experiment that happens when the independent variable is changed. Blow Up A Balloon Using Sugar And Yeast. Learn more about the chemical reaction process with this classic science experiment that only requires the use of sugar, yeast, a balloon, and an empty bottle. What type of plastic wrap prevents evaporation the best? startxref Log in. You can make your own wind or water and evaluate the effects on soil. Understanding the difference is something 9th graders are tested on in Texas, but more importantly it helps created a deeper understanding of linear relationships and more complicated functions. xbbc`b``3 ` c This is a fantastic bundle which includes everything you need to know about Understanding Dependent and Independent Variables across 15+ in-depth pages. Please enter a search term in the text box. Science fair project ideas with independent and dependent variables ile ilikili ileri arayn ya da 21 milyondan fazla i ieriiyle dnyann en byk serbest alma pazarnda ie alm yapn. Select subjects, half female and half male. Have you identified all relevant dependent variables, and are they all caused by and dependent on the independent variable? This example project is designed to help students understand the concept of independent and dependent variables. How attentive have you been in class these past few weeks? The length of the string and the angle of the swing are controlled variables. Light is the independent variable, and the dependent variable is plant growth in this classroom experiment. You should have 2 different graphs for the data pertaining to plants growing with and without music on the same graph paper for a good comparative study. The second experiment does not require any more data . Do all hairsprays hold equally well? Since eye color is an inherited trait, I cannot think of . Following are ideas [] What are Variables? This simple trick can prove to be a cool science fair idea. Copyright 2002-2023 Science Buddies. Do bicycle fenders keep the rider dry when riding through a puddle? Observe the ants coming and goings and record your findings. Teacher location: The teacher is either in the room or not in the room. How effective are natural pest deterrents? . Does air temperature affect how long soap bubbles last? ", "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. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission is strictly prohibited. What is the tallest tower you can build with 100 Legos? You should do the project yourself, rather than enlist heavy-duty help from a parent or older student. - WGU-C950-Project/C964 Computer Science . ", "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.". Do plants react to the presence of other plants? In most cases, the ball will move fastest on the smooth surface, demonstrating the effect of friction on an object's acceleration. Kaydolmak ve ilere teklif vermek cretsizdir. Record how quickly each plant grows by measuring its growth rate with a ruler. Does fertilizer make a plant grow bigger? To insure a fair test, a good This is what we are observing and measuring. Variables either control, respond to, or are independent of, a research initiative. But it doesn't have to be that way. The controlled variables are stirring each container the same amount and using sugar from the same bag. The seed size is the independent variable, because nothing in the experiment affects the size of the seeds. To be clear though, for a science fair, it is usually wise to have only one independent variable at a time. In science, a variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. 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. Browse independent and dependent variables science project resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, a marketplace trusted by millions of teachers for original educational resources. 0000001597 00000 n The scientist simply starts the process, then observes and records data at regular intervals. Locate an ant hill. 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 . Please enter a search term in the text box. ", "The many variables above can each change how fast a plant grows, so to ensure a fair test of the fertilizer, each of them must be kept the same for every pot. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. endstream endobj 296 0 obj<. Can all controlled variables be held at a steady value during the experiment? 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. Observe which ball reaches the ground first. She pointed out that this problem might make a good project for the upcoming science fair. Fill two identical containers with two cups of water each -- one hot and one cold. Variables in Your Science Fair Project Variables Scientists use an experiment to search for cause and effect relationships in nature. Independent variables are not affected by the other variables; they are independent of the others. You can turn any science project into a science fair project by finding one factor you can change (the independent variable) and measuring its effect on another factor (the dependent variable). A variable is something that can change. 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. The dependent variable is the amount of sugar that dissolves in each cup of water. Do different brands/types of markers produce the same results? Controlled variables ensure that the different elements of an experiment are similar enough that you know what is being changed or tested. Do the same types of mold grow on all types of bread? Are all dependent variable(s) measurable? A properly designed experiment usually has three kinds of variables: independent, dependent, and controlled. 2. borax solution- source of borax, concentration of the solution. 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. Does relative humidity? You'll be expected to present data in the form of tables and graphs. The difference between an independent vs. dependent variable is how that they relate to the overall study. The ratios of water to sugar and the amount of stirring are both controlled variables in this experiment. Air temperature is the independent variable and ant activity is the dependent variable in this ant hill experiment. One swing is called a period. You may print and distribute up to 200 copies of this document annually, at no charge, for personal and classroom educational use. Experiment with what rolls faster by covering one of two planks with a smooth lining like shelf paper and thge other with a rough lining like carpet or astroturf. Also, check if the taste and/or color of the bears have changed. Water faucet opening (closed, half open, fully open), Amount of water flowing, measured in liters per minute. Do the same observation each day for a couple of days more. On the other hand, its mass and volume decrease when placed in a hypertonic solution (e.g. 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. 0000001658 00000 n Does the shape of an ice cube affect how quickly it melts? a variable that does not depend on another variable or other variables for its value. Blowing up a balloon with baking soda and vinegar is the classic acids and bases experiment. You can. It is called the "dependent" variable because we are trying to figure out whether its value depends on the value of the independent variable. The controlled variable must not change during the experiment. A dependent variable is the factor, or outcome, that will be measured in an experiment. With different kinds of plants, or inconsistent watering, how well each plant grew might not be a factor of sunlight alone. Completely immerse the gummy bear in the water. Add a teaspoon of sugar to each and stir the mixture the same number of times in each container. 295 19 Whether you need help solving quadratic equations, inspiration for the upcoming science fair or the latest update on a major storm, Sciencing is here to help. 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 graft a tomato plant onto a potato plant? This variable is affected by seed size and other independent variables in the experiment, such as water, light and soil composition. Why just one? The dependent variables must be able to be measured and caused by the independent variable. 2. All rights reserved. The ingredients of gummy bears are sugar, water, and gelatin, with little water content. Do different size seeds have different germination rates or percentages? Study the simple transfer of energy with the help of this cool physics science project exploring static energy. An easy way to introduce this idea is . You should do the project yourself, rather than enlist heavy-duty help from a parent or older student. Beverlee Brick began writing professionally in 2009, contributing to various websites. A fifth grade science project is the culmination of the elementary school curriculum. Next day, lift the bear from the water with a plastic fork, sieve or screen.