Free Printable WorksheetScienceGrade 6Science CurriculumSCI.6.3

6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design Worksheet

Download our free printable Grade 6 Science worksheet on 6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design. Ideal for classroom practice, homeschool learning, independent homework, and standardized test preparation. Available in both print-ready PDF and editable DOCX formats.

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Worksheet Overview & Skills Covered

Core academic competencies and curriculum alignment

This Grade 6 Science worksheet provides structured practice on 6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design. Students are guided through targeted exercises that build foundational understanding, computational accuracy, and critical thinking skills.

Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design - Which procedure best controls variables to investigate variables, controls, and experimental design? (NGSS SEPs; WHST.6‑8.2; IXL G6—Designing experiments)

Whether you are an educator preparing classroom handouts, a tutor reinforcing weekly topics, or a parent supporting homeschool learning, this printable resource gives students the deliberate practice required to achieve subject fluency and master state standards.

Grade

Grade 6

Subject

Science

Domain

Science Curriculum

Formats

PDF & DOCX

Sample Practice Problems

Preview the types of problems and questions covered in this worksheet

Below are sample questions representative of the exercises included on this worksheet and related 6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design skill assessments:

Problem 1Difficulty: Mastery

Which procedure best controls variables?

AMeasure every sample with both methods (or randomly assign method order) and compare results, ensuring the same samples are tested in the same conditions.

BUse Method 1 for the treatment group and Method 2 for the control group.

CMeasure treatment samples carefully and control samples quickly.

DUse two different people with different training levels for the two methods.

Solution & Explanation:If method depends on group, it becomes a confounding variable. Using both methods on all samples keeps measurement consistent and comparable.

Problem 2Difficulty: Mastery

Which procedure best controls this confound?

ALet students pick which list they want for each color.

BUse one list for the treatment group and a completely different list for the control group without matching difficulty.

CUse easy words for one background color and hard words for another.

DUse the same word lists across colors by rotating lists (counterbalancing) so each list appears equally often with each background color.

Solution & Explanation:Counterbalancing list assignment controls for list difficulty so differences can be attributed to background color rather than word choice.

Problem 3Difficulty: Mastery

Which procedure best controls variables?

AUse rich potting soil in the large pot and plain soil in the small pot.

BMeasure the large pot weekly but measure the small pot only at the end.

CGive the large pot more sunlight because it has more leaves.

DUse the same soil type and nutrient level per unit volume, and compare pot sizes while keeping watering and light the same; consider measuring growth per week and root space separately.

Solution & Explanation:Pot size can be confounded with nutrient amount. Keeping soil type and nutrient level consistent helps isolate the effect of pot size (root space).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about printing, using, and solving this worksheet

QHow do I download and print this 6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design worksheet?

Click either the "Download PDF" or "Download DOCX" button at the top of the page. You can print the PDF directly from your browser or edit the DOCX file in Microsoft Word or Google Docs to tailor the questions to your students.

QIs this 6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design worksheet free for teachers and homeschoolers?

Yes! All learning materials, worksheets, and practice resources on Free K12 Practice are 100% free for teachers, students, parents, tutors, and homeschooling families for non-commercial educational use. No account or subscription is required.

QCan students practice 6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design online with instant feedback?

Yes! In addition to this printable worksheet, students can practice 6.3 Variables, Controls, and Experimental Design interactively on our platform with automated grading, instant score tracking, and detailed step-by-step solutions.

QWhat grade level and standards does this worksheet align with?

This worksheet is designed specifically for Grade 6 Science students. It aligns with educational standard SCI.6.3 (Grade 6 science practice and review on variables, controls, and experimental design.).