Tennessee SPI Objective:

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SPI 0807.Inq.1 (Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
Tennessee SPI Objective Design a simple
experimental procedure with an identified control
and appropriate variables.
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Essential Learning Students will examine the
steps of the scientific method and key components
of experiments to include independent
and dependent variables, and controls.
Check for Understanding Design and conduct an
open-ended scientific investigation to answer a
question that includes a control and
appropriate variables.
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SPI 0807.Inq.1 (Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science

What Are Control Experiments?
Also called controls and/or control groups

• An experiment to verify the results of another
  experiment
• using the same conditions except for one factor
  or variable.
• An experiment separated from the main experiment
  where the independent variable being tested
  cannot influence the results.
• How to do a control experiment
• Just remove the independent variable entirely or
  replace it with a neutral independent variable.
• Video Link (7 min 34 sec) Controls, Variables,
  and Constants

(Controls mentioned from 1 min 52 mark to 7 min
10 sec mark)
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Control Experiment
SPI 0807.Inq.1 (Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
(Fruity Pebbles Example)

Experiment Does eating a sugary cereal make
children hyperactive? Every day for a week have 3
children eat a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. Then
observe their energy level for the next two hours.
Manipulated/Ind Variable -the cereal
Responding/Dep Variable -their behavior

• This is called the experimental group
• Next do a control experiment/control group
• (see next slide)

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Control Experiment
SPI 0807.Inq.1 (Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
(Fruity Pebbles Example)
Experiment Does eating a sugary cereal make
children hyperactive? Every day for a week have 3
children eat a bowl of Fruity Pebbles. Then
observe their energy level for the next two hours.

Manipulated/Ind Variable -the Cereal
Responding/Dep Variable -their behavior

• Do a control experiment by simply removing
  the independent variable entirely or replace it
  with a neutral independent variable.

• Option 01 Repeat the experiment exactly except
  this time don't give the children any cereal at
  all.
• Option 02 Repeat the experiment exactly but give
  them a bowl of cereal that does not contain any
  sugar.

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Example A scientist is conducting an experiment
to test how sunlight affects plant growth.

• She places one corn plant 1 meter away from a
  sunlamp.
• She places one corn plant 2 meters away from a
  sunlamp.
• She places one corn plant 3 meters away from a
  sunlamp.

The independent variable is the distance from the
sunlamp
Corn plant 01
Corn plant 02
Corn plant 03
Do a control experiment by simply removing the
independent variable entirely or remove its
affect
control experiment-place one other corn plant in
a dark room
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Control Experiment
SPI 0807.Inq.1 (Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
(Energy Drink Example)
Experiment If you consume an energy drink before
running will it enable you to run faster? On 3
different days at the track, consume one can of
energy drink. (Day 1 Monster, Day 2 Red Bull,
Day 3 Rock Star) Then run 30 meters as fast as
you can. Record the time it takes you to run
that distance.

Manipulated/Ind Variable -type of energy drinks
Responding/Dep Variable -how fast you run

• This is the experimental group
• Next do a control experiment
• (see next slide)

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Control Experiment
SPI 0807.Inq.1 (Variables and Controls)
Notes
Science
(Energy Drink Example)
Experiment If you consume an energy drink before
running will it enable you to run faster? On 3
different days at the track, consume one can of
energy drink. (Day 1 Monster, Day 2 Red Bull,
Day 3 Rock Star) Then run 30 meters as fast as
you can. Record the time it takes you to run
that distance.

Manipulated/Ind Variable -type of energy drinks
Responding/Dep Variable -how fast you run
Do a control experiment by simply removing the
independent variable entirely or remove its
affect
control experiment-run one more time without an
energy drink or have a glass of water instead.
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SPI 0807.Inq.1C Controls
Science
Questions
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SPI 0807.Inq.1C Controls
Science
Questions
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SPI 0807.Inq.1C Controls
Science
Questions