1. Important Parts of an
Experiment

2. Variable:
• Factors in an experiment that can change
or be changed.
• There are different types of variables…

3. Types of Variables:
Manipulated (also called Independent) Variable:
• This is the part of the experiment that is
changed ON PURPOSE
• The manipulated variable is what is being
tested

4. Types of Variables (continued)
Responding (also called Dependent) Variable:
• These are factors in an experiment that
change because the manipulated variable
was changed
• Responding variables are affected by what
is being tested.

5. Types of Variables (continued)
Controlled Variable (or Constants):
• These are factors in the experiment that
must be kept the same in order to receive
reliable results
• Controlled variables are kept the same by
the experimenter

6. Now, set an experiment up on your
own…
• Imagine you want to find out if listening to
a certain type of music improves memory
in humans.
• How would you test this?
• What would your manipulated variable be?
• Responding variables?
• What would be some controlled variables?

7. In science, Observations are
CRUCIAL!!!
Types of Observations:
• Qualitative Observations
– Use the senses to notice the properties of the
object being observed
– Give an example of a qualitative observation
you can make about this classroom

8. Types of Observations (continued)
• Quantitative Observations:
– Use measurements of the object being
observed

9. • Give an example of a qualitative
observation you can make in this
classroom
• Give an example of a quantitative
observation you can make in this
classroom

10. Case Studies
With your ______________ Partner, read over the
case study given to you. Pick out and
summarize the important parts of the experiment
(use the sheet in your note packet to jot record
answers. Do not write on the blue paper!).

11. Join up with another pair that have the same
experiment. Create a presentation about
the experiment to inform the class.
Tell us about what the experimenters did
and what they discovered. Also, give your
opinion on how the experiment could be
improved.
Use the chart paper as a visual aid that will
enhance your presentations