- What kind of relationship do experiments explore?
Cause-and-effect relationships.
- Which variable is thought of as the cause?
The independent variable.
- Which variable is thought of as the effect?
The dependent variable.
- What is the independent variable in the experiment above?
The amount of water given to each plant (none, some, or lots).
- What is the dependent variable in the experiment above?
Plant growth (measured at the end of three weeks).
- What are constants?
Variables that are kept the same across all trials to ensure a fair test.
- Why are the constants kept the same in every trial?
To isolate the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable and avoid confounding factors.
- What is the independent variable?
The type of fertilizer applied to the plants.
- What is the dependent variable?
Plant growth (height or health measured at the end of three weeks).
- What happens to the dependent variable at the end of an experiment?
It is measured or observed to determine the effect of the independent variable.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of design an experiment worksheet.
