DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

REGION III
Schools Division of Cabanatuan City
Maharlika Highway, Cabanatuan City

Design a Simple Science Experiment

RESEARCH I

Writer: Odessa F. Dysangco (Teacher I, Honorato C. Perez Sr. Memorial

Science High School)

Project EL AR:
Enhance Learning
thru Adequate Resources
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 GUIDE FOR THE LEARNER, PARENTS,
GUARDIANS AND LEARNING FACILITATOR

To You, Learner:

Welcome to Research 1(Grade 9) Self-Learning Module (SLM) on Design a Simple

Science Experiment! This module was made to give you with fun and meaningful time for
guided and independent learning at your convenience. You will be able to process the
contents of this Module while being an active learner.

To You, Parent/s, Guardian/s and Learning Facilitator/s:

This Module was collaboratively developed and reviewed by the teachers, school
heads and supervisors of DepEd Division of Cabanatuan City to assist you in helping the
learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their different
constraints in schooling. As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how
to use this module. You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing
them to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

This Module aims to refresh and orient you to the key concepts in a science
experiment such as variable, independent variable, dependent variable and control. It
also presented an example of the layout of an experimental design including its eight
parts. This module likewise listed the “four question strategy” in order for you to select a
topic, create a simple and guided science experiment at the convenience of your home.

So, take your notebooks and pen, focus and let’s get started!

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 OBJECTIVES

At the end of this module, the learners will be able to:

1. Differentiate independent variable from dependent variable.

2. Select a topic for simple science experiment.

3. Develop and conduct a simple guided science experiment.

COMPETENCY

1. Design a simple science experiment

2. Conduct a guided experiment

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 WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW?

Pre-Test Directions. Read carefully each question and encircle the letter of
the correct answer.
1. Sandy was assigned by her teacher to investigate on how fast table salt dissolves in cold
and in hot water. Observing the fair testing, what will be his control variables?
A. Amount of water and table salt in each cup, method of stirring, time when the
solid is added to water, how long each solution is stirred.
B. Amount of water and table salt in each cup, method of stirring, how long each
solution is stirred.
C. Amount of table salt in each cup; method of stirring, time when the solid is added
to water, how long each solution is stirred.
D. Amount of water in each cup, method of stirring, time when the solid is added to
water; how long each solution is stirred.
2. Which variable is being measured by Sandy?
I. The amount of table salt
II. The temperature of water
III. The time the table salt will completely dissolves in hot water.
IV. The time the table salt that completely dissolves in cold water.
A. I only B. III only C. I and II D. II and IV
3. What is the independent variable in the experiment being conducted by Sandy?
A. Concentration of salt C. Temperature of water
B. Length of time table salt dissolves D. Not given
If Cristina waters an eggplant (Solanum melongena) more often, then it will grow taller.
4. Which of the following is the independent variable?
A. height of the plant B. size of the pot C. amount of water D. amount of light
5. Which of the following is the dependent variable?
A. The size of the pot B.height of plant C.amount of soil D. amount of water
6. Which of these is not a controlled variable?
A. size of the pot B. amount of soil C.amount of water D. type of plant
7. When experimenting with the growth of a plant, Dennis uses three of the same type of
plants, the same amount of light, same amount of water, and two different fertilizers.
What type of variable is the fertilizer?
A. independent B. control C. dependent D. constant
8. Jayson sets up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls
off a ramp. Identify the independent variable.
A. Height of the ramp C. distance travelled by the ball
B. Mass of the ball D. all of the above
Minisa conducted a study to find if different types of tires affect the breaking distance of a
car.
9. What is the independent variable.
A. Type of car B. breaking distance C. type of tire D. type of road
10. What is the controlled variable?
A. Type of car B. the car C. breaking distance D. all of the
above

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 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Experiment is often referred to as a “fair test”. In layman’s term the word “fair”
indicates being ”objective” or “not biased”. The science experiment is a test of the effect
of different actions conducted by the investigator or a test comparing differing conditions
as some action is performed.

Key concepts:
1. Variables - these are qualities, characteristics of people, properties, conditions, situations
and factors which can exist in different values or forms. Examples: amount of water,
height, kind of plant, type of fertilizer, type of soil

Free Images from Canva for Education app except: eggplant from: https://freesvg.org/eggplant-4 Date
accessed: July 2, 2020

2. Levels of Independent variable - these refers to the different values resulting from the
manipulation of independent variable.

3. Repeated trials - If the experiment is repeated more than once for each level of the
independent variable, it will increase the accuracy and reliability of the test.

4. Hypothesis - this is the statement that gives a tentative answer or solution to the
question; a possible explanation that will be proven or disproven. It is commonly known as
the “educated guess”, the predicted outcome of the experiment. It starts with the “if
then” statement.
Examples:
4.1 If I use fertilizer Brand A , then the eggplant will grow faster and taller.
4.2 If I use fertilizer Brand B, then the eggplant will grow faster and taller.

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 5. Control -this is the reference level or “normal” value of the independent variable
which other levels will be compared to. Example: control group : no fertilizer
The Four Question Strategy:

1. What materials are readily available for conducting experiments on general topic
Experimental Design Diagram
of interest?
It is a convenient way of laying out the essential parts of a science experiment.
2.Actually
What action
it is a isvisual
observed
layoutwhen studying
of the parts of(general topic ofon
the experiment interest)?
a page.
3. What are all the ways8that I can
parts change
of an the setDesign
Experimental of materials that would change the
Diagram:
action?
Part Description
4. In what ways can I measure or describe the response to the change?
1. Title “The effect of the Different Brands of Fertilizer
(Independent variable) on the growth of eggplants
(Solanum melongena) (Dependent Variable).

2. Hypothesis If I use fertilizer Brand A , then the eggplant will grow

faster and taller.
3. Independent manipulated or controlled variable (CAUSE): different
variable brands of fertilizer

4. Levels of IV Different levels or values of IV: 4 levels

5. Control Level of the independent variable that will be kept the

same or normal: Level I (water only, without fertilizer)

6. Repeated trials Number of repeated trials for each level of the

Independent Variable. Example: 3 trials

7. Dependent variable Measured or responding variable (EFFECT): growth of

eggplants measured in height

8. Constants Factors that could be changed but which are

deliberately held constant: amount of water, amount of
soil, sunlight, pot size

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 *I hope that you are learning. Here is an example of the actual lay out of a simple science
experiment. Recognize the eight parts of the science experimental design diagram, for you will
have to create your own after this module.

GENERAL LAY OUT FOR A SIMPLE SCIENCE EXPERIMENT:

Sample Experiment: 10 tomato plants of the same height were placed in the same size
pots, in the same type of soil and each was given the same amount of water. Two plants
were under a light bulb of the same intensity as the others but each light was of different
color. Each day, the plants were given light (each its own color) for 12 hours and left in
darkness for 12 hours. The height of each plant was measured in centimeters at the end of
each week for 12 weeks.

Title: “The effect of different colors of light (Independent variable) on the growth of tomato
(Solanum lycopersicum) plants (Dependent variable)”

Hypothesis:

1. If tomato plants were placed under green light bulb (Independent variable), then they
will grow taller (predicted change in DV).

2. If tomato plants were placed under red light bulb (Independent variable), then they
will grow taller (Dependent variable).

Independent variable: Different colors of light bulb

Levels of Independent Variable and number of repeated trials:

Level I (Control) Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

Natural Sunlight Red light bulb Green light bulb Blue light bulb Purple light bulb

2 (# of trials) 2 (# of trials) 2 (# of trials) 2 (# of trials) 2 (# of trials)

Dependent measure in measure in measure in measure in

variable and centimeters at centimeters at centimeters at centimeters at
how it will be the end of each the end of each the end of the end of each
measured. week for 12 week for 12 each week for week for 12
weeks. weeks. 12 weeks. weeks.

Constants:

1. The type of plant

2. the soil
3. the size of the pot
4. the amount of water given to the plant
5. The amount of time each plant was in the light and in the dark.

Source: https://www.coursehero.com/file/pk123h/Experiment-1-Five-tomato-plants-of-the-same-height-were-placed-
in-the-same-size/

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 WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Post-Test Directions. Read carefully each question and encircle the letter
of the correct answer.

1. An experiment is also referred to as __?

A. scientific research B. composition C. fair test D. hobby
2. Which of the following is a factor which could be changed but purposely held
constant or at the same value.
A. controlled variable C. responding variable
B. manipulated variable D. control
3. This is the reference level or “normal” value of the independent variable which
other levels will be compared to.
A. constants B. changed variable C. measured variable D. control
4. These are qualities, properties, conditions, which can exist in different values.
Examples: age, gender, height, sleeping habits
A. independent variable B. variable C. dependent variable D. control
5. Raquel was assigned by her teacher to investigate on how fast table salt dissolves
in cold and in hot water. Observing the fair testing, what will be his control
variables?
A. Amount of water and table salt in each cup, method of stirring, time when
the solid is added to water, how long each solution is stirred.
B. Amount of water and table salt in each cup, method of stirring, how long
each solution is stirred.
C. Amount of table salt in each cup; method of stirring, time when the solid is
added to water, how long each solution is stirred.
D. Amount of water in each cup, method of stirring, time when the solid is
added to water; how long each solution is stirred.
6. Which variable is being measured by Raquel?
I. The amount of table salt
II. The temperature of water
III. The time the table salt will completely dissolves in hot water.
IV. The time the table salt that completely dissolves in cold water.
A. I only B. III only C. I and II D. II and IV
7. If tomato plants were placed under green light bulb, then they will grow taller. This
statement is an example of?
A. number of repeated trials C. levels of Independent variable
B. hypothesis D. control
8. If the experiment is repeated more than once for each level of the independent
variable, it will increase the __?
A. reliability and accuracy C. mistakes and errors
B. consistency D. time to finish the experiment
9. It is a convenient way of laying out the essential parts of a science experiment.
A. diagram B. figure C. graph D. illustration
10. If I replace the battery in my car, then my car will get better gas mileage. Identify
the independent variable.
A. Better gas mileage B. gas C. battery D. car

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 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 1

Direction. Read carefully each scenario and answer what is being

asked.

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 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 2

Directions. Read carefully each question and give what is being asked.

Free images from Canva for Education app

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 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 3

Directions. Design a simple science experiment using the Experimental

Design Diagram below.

Sample Experiment:

Title: “The effect of ________ (Independent variable) on the ______________ (Dependent

variable)”

Hypothesis:

1. ______________________

Independent variable: ____________________

Levels of Independent Variable and number of repeated trials:

Level I (Control) Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5

(# of trials) (# of trials) (# of trials) (# of trials) (# of trials)

Dependent
variable and how
it will be
measured.

Constants:

1. ________________

2. ________________

See the next page for suggested topics which you can use to design a simple science
experiment:

1. Life : “Flower Power”

2. Food: “Cookie Monster”

3. “Your own idea or choice”

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 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY

Directions. Read and choose among the two simple science experiment
that you want to conduct at your home.

Have fun baking!

Free images from Canva for Education app

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 ENRICHMENT ACTIVITY 4

SIMPLE AND GUIDED SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Directions. You may choose from the suggested topics above or you may create
your own simple science experiment using the given format.
Remember to ask for the guidance of your teacher and wait for the approval of
the TITLE of your simple science experiment.

Always remember the four -question strategy:

The Four Question Strategy:

1. What materials are readily available for conducting experiments on general topic of
interest?

2. What action is observed when studying (general topic of interest)?

3. What are all the ways that I can change the set of materials that would change the
action?

4. In what ways can I measure or describe the response to the change?

*Please ask the assistance of your parent and or guardian as necessary.

Have fun in learning!

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 14
What Do You Already Know?
What Do You Already Know?
1. A
1. A 2. D
2. D 3. B
3. C 4. A
4. C 5. D
5. B 6. B
6. C 7. A
7. A 8. A
8. B 9. C
9. C 10. C
10. A
Activity Number 1
Activity Number 2
1. IV: length of time sleeping
1. If the new anti-viral drug is
2. DV: test score
administered to COVID positive
3. IV: brand of paper towels
patient then he will be cured.
4. DV: amount of liquid absorbed by
2. If the team drink Pocari Sweat
the paper towel
during a game, then they will be
5. IV: wavelength of light
more hydrated.
6. DV: whether light is absorbed
3. If KC chew a gum during a test,
7. IV: presence/absence of caffeine
then she will get a higher score.
8. DV: how hungry you are
4. If Jeffson listen to Mozart while
9. IV: ocean temperature
studying, then he will do better on
10. Number of algae in the sample
the exam.
? 10. ? 10.
? 9. ? 9.
? 8. ? 8.
? 7. ? 7.
? 6. ? 6.
? 5. ? 5.
? 4. ? 4.
? 3. ? 3.
? 2. ? 2.
? 1. ? 1.
Activity Number 3 Activity Number 4
ANWER KEYS
 REFERENCES

Books

1. Department of Education Republic of the Philippines Science 7 Learner’s Material:

Reproduction: The Continuity of Life (Philippines: FEP Printing Corporation, 2017) page: 3

Royalty-Free Pictures and Illustrations

1. https://freesvg.org/eggplant-4 Date accessed: July 2, 2020

2. https://freesvg.org/soil-in-pot Date accessed: July 2, 2020

Online Sources

1. "https://www.softschools.com/examples/science/hypothesis_examples/104/">Hypothesis
Examples</a>
2. https://www.thoughtco.com/independent-and-dependent-variable-examples-606828
3. https://sciencebob.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Color_Flower.pdf
4. https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/chewy-chocolate-chip-cookies/

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 Design a Simple Science Experiment
This SLM is designed for the Grade 9 learners to present the parts of a simple science
experiment. It emphasized the difference between the independent and dependent
variable, formulation of hypothesis, importance of controlled variables or constants, as well as
the control which is the level of independent variable which other levels will be compared to.

More so, two simple science experiments were included to show the levels of
independent variables as well as the number of repeated trials which can be performed at
the convenience of your home.

Try the “Flower Power” and see the beauty of colors during the time of pandemic. Also,
eat delicous chocolate chip cookies baked by your own hands!

Indeed, science experiment is fun!

By the way, if you decided to create your own science experiments, we will be happy
to wait for your SHARE!

Have fun while learning!

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region 3
Division of Cabanatuan City
Curriculum Implementation Division (CID)
Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS)
This self-learning module (SLM) is developed by the SDO Cabanatuan City CID-LRMDS Team under Project
EL AR: Enhanced Learning thru Adequate Resources.
Cover and page elements illustrations by Jan Carl B. Briones ● Project EL AR logo by Gemmarie G. Rivas