Catalyst – August [6(3)+8], 2009

Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and control group in the following scenario: Dr. Anderson believes that eating artichokes can

decrease cholesterol. Dr. Anderson recruited two sets of patients of equal age and health. She gave one group a normal diet and the other group an artichoke-filled diet. She then measured the patients’ cholesterol levels two weeks later.

Honors Catalyst – August [6(3)+8], 2009

Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and control group in the following scenario: Ms. Aymami has told Higgins soccer players that they

should also run cross country this fall. She thinks that if all the soccer players run cross country, then they will be in better shape for the soccer season in the winter.

Today’s Agenda Catalyst 4th period only: IV/DV Notes Computer expectations Virtual Lab Demo Virtual Tomato Lab! Get connected with this class: Wiki/Twitter Exit Question

HOMEWORK: Simpsons worksheet, STUDY FOR QUIZ!!!!!

Today’s Objectives

SWBAT identify independent and dependent variables in a controlled experiment. (4th)

SWBAT design a controlled emperiment with an independent and dependent variable.

(4th only) Mystery Goo Hypotheses

Let’s talk about the goo some more.

What would have happened if we added more water? How would you test it?

What would have happened if we added more corn starch? How would you test it?

Experimentation

Key Point #1: A proper experiment always has an independent

variable, dependent variable, and control group.

Scientists will change one thing and measure something else. If Mr. Jhaveri wears his basketball shoes, then

he will score more points in a game.

Variables

Independent Variable: The thing that I change Basketball Shoes

Dependent variable: The thing that is measured Points

*Remember variables are always nouns!!

Good experiments… ONLY CHANGE 1 THING!! You must keep everything else constant, or your

data may not be valid! Control Group: The group without the

independent variable. What was the control group in the basketball

experiment?

IMPORTANT!!!

Practice

Do older microwaves give off more radiation? What is the independent variable?

IV =

DV =

Microwave Age

Radiation

Practice

Are there more love bugs in the summer or the winter months? What is the dependent variable?

IV =

DV =

Season

Amount of love bugs

Practice

Students of different ages were given the same puzzle to assemble. The puzzle assembly time was measured.

IV =

DV =

Age

Puzzle Assembly Time

If there are more students, then there will be more school buses.

IV =

DV =

Amount of students

Number of school buses

If the cost of beignets increases, then fewer will be sold.

What depends on what?

IV =

DV =

Cost of Beignets

Amount of Beignets sold

IV = Number of free agents

DV = Games Won

If the Saints sign more free agents, then they will win more games.

Foldables!

First flap: Real-life scenario in hypothesis form Second Flap: Define and identify independent

variable Third Flap: Define and identify dependent

variable Fourth Flap: Define and identify control group

Foldables!

First flap: If I use more minutes, then my cell phone bill will increase.

Second Flap: DEFN, IV: number of minutes I use Third Flap: DEFN, DV: amount of my cell phone

bill Fourth Flap: DEFN, Control group: number of

minutes I usually use

Exit Question Identify the independent variable, dependent

variable, and control group in the following scenario.

Dr. Ayaad believes that eating artichokes can decrease cholesterol. Dr. Ayaad recruited two sets of patients of equal age and health and she gave one group a normal diet and another an artichoke-filled diet. She then measured the patient’s cholesterol 2 weeks later.

COMPUTER TIME

One computer per 2 students. Respect these computers.

Always tie up cords before walking. Do not use excessive force when opening up the

computer. Be Patient!!!

Respect the time. If I see you on another website without permission, you

lose your computer privileges for the day and you will have an alternative assignment.

After you get your computer running…

Go to this website: http://

school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/

On the brown tabs on the lower left, click virtual lab. Then, hit get started.

Click How Does Your Garden Grow Virtual Lab (Flash)

Exit Question

Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?