During one of our first classes when we did the surface tension experiment, we discussed what variables could be at play after having done the experiment. I find having covered variables this way far better than the way I was taught about variables by watching a video about growing plants. I found that during my time in school I did not really absorb the idea of variables until far later than when I learned about it with my peers. Learning about variables through a discussion and after having done an activity that demonstrated variables in a way would be great for more kinesthetic learners along with learners who need to see things in practice before being able to understand a smaller detail. I find that the way the discussion happened also kept variables very grounded in the activity that we had done which gives great examples for students to use a jumping off points for even different experiments where students will need to think of their own variables. 

This idea falls into the curriculum with  

Subject Curriculum Grade 
Science Measure and control variables (dependent and independent) through fair tests 7 and 8 
science Reflect on their investigation methods, including the adequacy of controls on variables (dependent and independent) and the quality of the data collected 7 and 8 

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