01 Know Your Variables.pptx (1).pdf

Know Your Variables A short lesson on Independent, Dependent, and Controlled variables. Consider the following descriptions of three types of variables… What’s this about a controlled variable?? ⚫ During an experiment, you want to know how the independent variable affects the dependent variab...

Know Your Variables A short lesson on Independent, Dependent, and Controlled variables. Consider the following descriptions of three types of variables… What’s this about a controlled variable?? ⚫ During an experiment, you want to know how the independent variable affects the dependent variable. ⚫ To make sure that it’s not really something else affecting the dependent variable, other factors should be kept constant, ie. Controlled.  For example… ⚫ My hypothesis is that driving faster will use more fuel. ⚫ My experiment is to drive for exactly 50 km at different speeds (20 km/h, 40 km/h, 60 km/h, 80 km/h, and 100 km/h) and see how much fuel I use each trip… Identify the Variables ⚫ Independent ◦ Speed ⚫ Dependent ◦ Fuel used ⚫ Controlled ◦ Distance travelled ◦ Car used ◦ Weight in car ◦ Road travelled on