Great Activity for Variables

I have been looking for a lesson plan to help reinforce the concept of variables, specifically asking students to identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment. I like t... See More

I have been looking for a lesson plan to help reinforce the concept of variables, specifically asking students to identify the independent and dependent variables in an experiment. I like the lesson plan idea presented in this article. In this article, the author recommends the use of stations, as students examine fake experiments to determine the "experimental" or "dependent" variables in each. One aspect that differs from how I teach variables is the use of the term "experimental" variable instead of independent. However, this could be changed if you are creating your own posters/handouts, or you can use it as a teaching opportunity to educate your students on the various names used to identify and/or label the "manipulated" variable. I really like that the information provided within the fake experiments; it is direct and to the point, and yet interesting. I plan to create mini posters using the station information, and following the author's advice of using index cards for students to record their answers. In addition, I am considering making it a contest to see who can get all of the answers correct in the least amount of time. I like the idea of having students create their own fake experiments. Overall, I highly recommend the lesson plan presented in this article, and I look forward to implementing it in my classroom soon.

Teaching Variables for Impact

The ideas presented in this article provide teachers a way to introduce and allow students to work through numerous labs identifying the independent and dependent variables all within one cl... See More

The ideas presented in this article provide teachers a way to introduce and allow students to work through numerous labs identifying the independent and dependent variables all within one class period. The article contains all of the information necessary to implement the lesson in the classroom. The follow up activity would make a great elaborate within a 5E teaching cycle, as well a great connection between science and writing. I really like the ideas presented in this lesson plan and/or article; I look forward to implementing this lesson in my classroom.