Lesson 6: Introduction to Variables Revision Notes
Lesson Objectives
By completing this lesson, you will be able to:
Grade C: Understand what a variable is - anything that can change in an experiment.
Grade B: Identify the change variable (what you change on purpose) and measure variable (what you measure or observe changing) in an experiment.
Grade A: Describe control variables (things you keep the same to make sure the experiment is fair).
What is a Variable?
In science, a variable is anything that can change. Understanding variables is key to conducting experiments correctly. There are three main types of variables in scientific investigations:
Change Variable: This is something the scientist changes deliberately to see how it affects the experiment.
Measure Variable: This is what the scientist measures during the experiment. It changes as a result of the change variable.
Control Variable: These are all the factors that must stay the same throughout the experiment to ensure it's fair and the results are reliable.
Practical Demonstration: Burning a Wooden Splint
Change Variable: The length of the wooden splint that's burned.
Measure Variable: The time it takes for the flame to travel 5cm, 10cm, and 15cm along the splint.
Control Variables: Thickness of the splint, angle at which it's held, and the location of the experiment, to ensure consistency in each trial.
Why Variables Matter
Understanding and managing variables is crucial because it helps scientists ensure their experiments are fair and the results are meaningful. By changing one thing at a time (the change variable) and measuring what happens (the measure variable), while keeping everything else the same (control variables), scientists can understand the effects of the change variable on the experiment.
Grasping the concept of variables is a foundational skill in science that will serve you well in all your scientific endeavours. Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy the process of discovery!
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