Any experiment has

Variables

WHAT ARE

Variables?

VariablesVariables are things that

vary and change

In any experiment there are 3 variables:

Things you

change

Things you

measure

Things you keep the same to

have a fair test

Let’s look at each type….

Investigating how a weight affects the length of an elastic band.

You decide the weight to put.You measure the length of the elastic band.You use the same elastic band to have a fair test.

Example 1:

Example 2:

Investigating how the rate of cooling of a beaker depends on the initial temperature.

You decide the initial temperature.You measure the rate of cooling.You use the same thermometer, same amount of liquid to have a fair test.

Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle.

Example 3:

You decide the ages of students.You measure the time they to finish the puzzle.You use the same jigsaw puzzle to have a fair test.

The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will boil.

Example 4:

You decide the temperature of the water.You measure the time it took the egg to boil.You use the same type of egg to have a fair test.

The temperature of water was measured at different depths of a pond.

Example 5:

You decide the depth of the pond.You measure the temperature of the water.You use the same thermometer to have a fair test.