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Controlling Variables

Name __________________________

Controlling Variables

Section _____________

Lab

Definitions

Constant

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Vinnie and Mark were arguing about which paper would be best for making “long distance” paper airplanes. They

decided to conduct a test (experiment) to find out. They made three planes: one from thin paper, one from medium

paper and one from heavy paper. All the papers were the same size, the folding pattern was also the same and they

launched each plane from the same location and with the same force. The plane out of the medium paper flew the

furthest.

Fill in the chart below correctly, based on the data above.

Example

How can you make a paper airplane fly further?

Constant

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Follow the directions on page 2 to create a paper helicopter. Use the data table below to record the amount of time it

takes the helicopter to hit the floor from various heights.

Helicopter Flights

Height

Time

1.0 m

1.5 m

2.0 m

Fill in the variable chart below with data related to the helicopter experiment.

Paper Helicopter Experiment

Constant

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Infer

How might you change the helicopter to make it drop slower? Faster?

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Laurella, 2012

Controlling Variables