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Science lesson plan · 5th grade (Year 6 in England) · 30 minutes

Independent, dependent and control variables

Working scientifically

CCSS NGSS.SEP 3CCSS NGSS.MS-PS2-2England: KS2 Y5–Y6 Working scientificallyEngland: KS3 Working scientifically

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Independent, dependent and control variables.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Planning a fair test

Leads to: Drawing conclusions from evidence; Evaluating experiments (research summaries)

Materials: Simple equipment for a fair test, Results table template, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Planning a fair test). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Leo tests which paper towel soaks up the most water. What should he change? (the amount of water / the size of the towel / the time he waits / the type of paper towel) → the type of paper towelPrompt: In a fair test you change only one thing: the thing you are testing.
  2. Ben tests whether salt water or tap water freezes faster. Which must he keep the same? (the volume of water in each cup / whether the water has salt / the time each one takes to freeze / the type of water) → the volume of water in each cupPrompt: He is changing the type of water and measuring the time.
  3. Fair tests: which statement is true? (If a result surprises you, you should hide it. / You should change as many things as possible. / A prediction says what you think will happen. / A fair test means everyone gets a turn.) → A prediction says what you think will happen.Prompt: Think about what makes a test fair.

Hook · 3 min

  • Show a simple experiment with one thing changed and ask what makes it a fair test.
  • Share the objective: Independent, dependent and control variables. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Investigation: Does the surface area of a puddle affect how fast it evaporates? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)?
  • Step 1: Change: surface area of the water. Measure: time for the water to evaporate. Keep the same: volume of water, temperature of the room.
  • Step 2: So the answer is: surface area of the water
  • Answer: surface area of the water
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Investigation: How does the mass of a pendulum bob affect the time of one swing? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)? (mass of the bob / starting angle / time for one swing / amount of light) → mass of the bobPrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.
  2. Investigation: Does the number of cells (batteries) affect how bright a bulb is? Which is the dependent variable (the one you measure)? (type of bulb / brightness of the bulb / number of cells / heart rate (beats per minute)) → brightness of the bulbPrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Investigation: Does the temperature of water affect how quickly sugar dissolves? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)? (time for the sugar to dissolve / water temperature / mass of the bob / volume of water) → water temperaturePrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.
  2. Investigation: How does the height of a ramp affect how far a toy car travels? Which is the dependent variable (the one you measure)? (height of the ramp / the same floor surface / time for the sugar to dissolve / distance the car travels) → distance the car travelsPrompt: Independent variable: the one you change. Dependent variable: the one you measure.

Watch out for

  • Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
  • Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Planning a fair test.
  • Use concrete materials: simple equipment for a fair test.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Drawing conclusions from evidence; Evaluating experiments (research summaries).
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-5.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Independent, dependent and control variables

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    Investigation: Does the number of cells (batteries) affect how bright a bulb is? Which is a control variable (one you keep the same)?

    • A. type of bulb
    • B. number of cells
    • C. brightness of the bulb
    • D. time for the sugar to dissolve

  2. Question 2

    Investigation: Does the surface area of a puddle affect how fast it evaporates? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)?

    • A. minutes of exercise
    • B. time for the water to evaporate
    • C. temperature of the room
    • D. surface area of the water

  3. Question 3

    Investigation: How does the mass of a pendulum bob affect the time of one swing? Which is the dependent variable (the one you measure)?

    • A. time for the sugar to dissolve
    • B. mass of the bob
    • C. time for one swing
    • D. length of the string

  4. Question 4

    Investigation: How does the mass of a pendulum bob affect the time of one swing? Which is the independent variable (the one you change)?

    • A. mass of the bob
    • B. time for one swing
    • C. starting angle
    • D. surface area of the water

  5. Question 5

    Investigation: Does the size of a parachute affect how long it takes to fall? Which is the dependent variable (the one you measure)?

    • A. heart rate (beats per minute)
    • B. size of the parachute
    • C. drop height
    • D. time to fall

  6. Question 6

    Investigation: Does the temperature of water affect how quickly sugar dissolves? Which is a control variable (one you keep the same)?

    • A. heart rate (beats per minute)
    • B. volume of water
    • C. time for the sugar to dissolve
    • D. water temperature

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Answer key: Independent, dependent and control variables

  1. 1. A. type of bulb

  2. 2. D. surface area of the water

  3. 3. C. time for one swing

  4. 4. A. mass of the bob

  5. 5. D. time to fall

  6. 6. B. volume of water