Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi, my name is Alex and am having trouble with my science fair experiment and I can't find my dependent variable and independent variables. Can you help me? https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... l-launcher

Sounds like a cool project!

I assume your dependent variable will be how far your ball travels after you launch it. However, your independent variabe can be whatever you want it to be. In fact, you can conduct multiple experiments and change a different variable in each experiment, but be sure to only change one variable at a time. For example, you can change the length of the launcher and see how that affects how far the ball travels. After you conduct several trials, you can determine the optimum length. In this experiment, the goal of having an independent variable is to maximize the distance the ball travels. Therefore, your independent variable should be what factor you think would have the most impact on how far the ball travels.

Hope this helps.

Hi Alex, In addition to the excellent description provided by the expert, you might also find the information helpful that's in the sections on variables in the Science Buddies Project Guide:
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... ience-fair
Best of luck at the science fair1

Hi Alex,

This project is described better by the engineering design process and not the scientific method. You should check if your science fair accepts engineering projects. You can read more about the engineering design process, and the difference between it and the scientific method, at the following links.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... cess-steps

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... fic-method