Lesson 0.1 Experiment Variables - Making Meaning

Module 0 - Doing Science

Spaghetti Bridge Introduction

Read the Introduction to the Spaghetti Bridge. Input your answers to Phase 1 Here.

Spaghetti Bridge Lab

INVESTIGATION QUESTION: What is the relationship between the number of spaghetti noodles and the number of washers the “bridge” holds?

LAB PROCEDURE: We first moved two tables or stacks of books so that they were 15 cm apart. We put one spaghetti noodle between the two tables with a cup hanging on the middle of the noodle. We added washers to the cup until the spaghetti noodle broke. Then we recorded the number of washers that the one noddle held. Next we put two spaghetti noodles in between the tables and repeated the process of adding washers until it fell or broke, and recorded the total number of washers held by the noodles. We continued the experiment with more and more noodles.

PHASE 1: Design

What is the independent variable? (What are we directly changing or controlling in the experiment?)
What is the dependent variable? (What is changing because of the thing we changed in #1?)
What are we keeping constant (not changing) in the experiment?

Graphic Organizer

Use the Cornell Notes Template to take notes during Direct Instruction.

Variable T-Chart

Click HERE to make a copy of the T-Chart Card Sort. Drag each card into the appropriate column. And then Submit Here.

Vocabulary

Term	Student Friendly Definition
Independent Variable	variable that is set by the scientist. Ex. The number of spaghetti noodles in our example.
Dependent Variable	variable that is measured throughout the experiments. Changes based on the independent variable. Ex. The number of washers the bridge can hold.
Constants	the variable that remains the same throughout the experiment. Ex. The distance between the tables.

Vocabulary Practice
Complete one of the following vocabulary practice activities from the choice board below. Click Here to see the choice board in another window.

Unit 0 choice board