Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

My science project question is :what is the fastest way to cool a soda?" I used four different cooling devices in my experiment-- freezer, refridgerator, ice bath and ice and water bath. I put a room temperature can of soda in each cooling device. Then i took the temperature of each can of soda at 5 minute intervals until the temperature remained constant (30 minutes). I would like to know what are my independent, dependent, and controlled variables in this experiment.

Hello, chill,

First, you should familiarize yourself with the definitions of the terms that you are trying to equate to the different parts of your experiment: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... bles.shtml.

Once you have done this, please make an attempt at figuring out what the variables are, so that the Experts here can see how well you understand the experiment and what specific points you might need help with. I'll start you off by using what you have told me so far: you chose the different cooling devices, but the initial temperature of the soda was invariable (the same) for each. You then observed what happened with the temperatures of the sodas from each device. Now can you tell what the independent variable is? Also, what did you keep constant (i.e. what was the controlled variable)? As soon as you answer these questions, the dependent variable should be pretty clear.

Hi Chill,

Welcome to Science Buddies! Goldenzenith has given you some really good advice on variables and a really good explanation of how to figure what your independent variable is. Please confirm that you have understood the explanation. If you still don’t know, then we’ll tell you and provide some additional explanation.

It sounds like you did a variation on one of the Science Buddies projects on heat transfer:

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p057.shtml

Please read through the project idea and the references. This will give you background information to include on your project board. It is important for you to understand and to explain the science behind your project Congratulations on getting your experiment done ahead of time so you will have time to do a really good job of writing up the results. You should start writing each section now. If you start today, then you’ll be done and ready to paste up your board next week-end.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... oard.shtml

One question. How many times have you done your experiment? If you did it just one time, and used just one soda can per independent variable, then I recommend that you repeat the experiment once more if you have time. Science fair judges prefer experiments that are reproducible or at least done in duplicate.

Also, go back and double check the teacher’s written assignment and make sure you have included all of the required details.

Let us know if you have any questions on completing this project.

Donna Hardy