Variable Detective Bell Work
Science Warm-Up Bell Work • Scientific Method
VARIABLE DETECTIVE
Name:
Date:
Period:
Quick Reference: The 3 Variables Review before answering the questions below
Independent Variable (IV)
What "I" change on purpose.
The Cause (Input)
Dependent Variable (DV)
The Data measured or observed.
The Effect (Result)
Controlled Variable (CV)
What stays the same every time.
Keeps It Fair!
1 Part 1: Case File Multiple Choice
Fill in the circle for the best answer
Maya's Soccer Test: Maya wants to know if drinking different amounts of water (2 cups, 4 cups, or 6 cups) before practice helps her score more penalty kicks. She keeps the same ball, same net, and shoots from the same 12-yard distance every time.
1. What is the Independent Variable?
A) Type of soccer ball
B) Amount of water drank
C) Goals scored
2. What is the Dependent Variable?
A) Number of goals scored
B) Amount of water drank
C) Size of the goal net
3. Which is a Controlled Variable?
A) Total goals scored
B) Shooting distance
C) Cups of water used
2 Part 2: Sentence Starter Fill-In
Use the word bank to complete the sentences
Leo's Plant Study: Leo wants to see how sunlight affects plant height. He gives three identical bean plants different amounts of sunlight each day (2 hrs, 5 hrs, and 8 hrs) and measures their height in centimeters after two weeks.
Word Bank
Plant height Sunlight hours Type of plant
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The independent variable is because Leo changes it.
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The dependent variable is because it is the measured data.
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One controlled variable is so the test remains fair.
3 Part 3: Spot the Mistake! (Fair Test Challenge)
Apply your detective skills
Scenario: Sam wants to find out which paper airplane design flies the farthest. He throws Design A inside the quiet gymnasium, but throws Design B outside during a heavy wind gust.
7. Why is this experiment NOT fair? What controlled variable was broken?
Detective Rule
Keep everything the same except the test variable!
