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Each experiment should tell you how much the drop height affects the bounce height. Usually there are other variables involved in an experiment.
- Look at the experimental setup. Try bouncing a ball on the floor a few times. What else could affect the bounce height besides the drop height? Make a list.
The variables in your list should remain the same during an experiment, so that the only thing that affects the bounce height is the drop height. These variables are called fixed variables. The results of a carefully controlled experiment will help you make accurate predictions.
- What is the manipulated variable in both the tennis ball experiment and the
SuperBall® experiment? - What is the responding variable?
- What are the fixed variables in each of the experiments?
- Is the bounce height a categorical or numerical variable?
- Is the drop height a categorical or numerical variable?
- Is the type of ball a categorical or numerical variable?
- Mrs. Dewey’s class dropped the ball three times from each drop height and measured the bounce height each time. Why is it a good idea to do three trials?
Draw a picture of the lab. Show the tools you will use. Be sure to label the two main variables. A student from another class should be able to look at your picture and know what you are going to do during the lab.