Question

bart believes that mice exposed to microwaves will become extra strong (maybe hes been reading too much radioactive man). he decides to perform this experiment. he places 10 mice in a microwave for 10 seconds. he places another 10 mice in a microwave for 5 seconds. lastly, he places 10 mice that have not been put in the microwave. for his test he placed a heavy block of wood in front of the block of wood away from the food. below is a chart with his findings.

time in microwave 0 seconds 5 seconds 10 seconds
number of mice that pushed the block away 7 7 8

identify the:

1. independent variable:
2. dependent variable:
3. what should barts conclusion be?
4. how could bart improve his experiment?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify independent variable

The independent variable is what is being changed or manipulated. In Bart's experiment, he changes the time the mice are exposed to microwaves. So, the independent variable is the time in the microwave.

Step2: Identify dependent variable

The dependent variable is what is being measured. Bart measures how many mice can move the block away from the food. So, the dependent variable is the number of mice that pushed the block away.

Step3: Form a conclusion

Based on the data, as the time in the microwave increased from 0 to 10 seconds, the number of mice that pushed the block away increased from 7 to 8 (with 7 at 5 seconds). A possible conclusion is that exposure to microwaves for a short - time period (0 - 10 seconds) may have a slight positive effect on the mice's ability to move the block, but more data is needed for a stronger conclusion.

Step4: Suggest improvements

To improve the experiment, Bart could increase the sample size of mice to get more reliable results. He could also test different time intervals more precisely, and have a proper control group that is not exposed to microwaves at all.

Answer:

1. Independent Variable: Time in the microwave
2. Dependent Variable: Number of mice that pushed the block away
3. Conclusion: Exposure to microwaves for 0 - 10 seconds may have a slight positive effect on the mice's ability to move the block, but more data is needed.
4. Improvement: Increase sample size, test more precise time intervals, and have a non - exposed control group.