Final answer:
The experiment by Connor and Miguel is set to test how the type of fertilizer affects the color of hydrangea blooms; the independent variable is the fertilizer type, the dependent variable is the bloom color, and the control group is the bush without fertilizer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Connor and Miguel are conducting an experiment to determine if the type of fertilizer changes the color of hydrangea flowers. To properly analyze their experiment, we should identify various components of the experimental design.
Independent variable: The type of fertilizer used on each hydrangea bush.
Dependent variable: The color of the hydrangea blooms.
Hypothesis: If the type of fertilizer affects the color of hydrangea flowers, then using different brands of fertilizer will result in different bloom colors.
Control group: The one bush that receives no fertilizer.
Experimental group: The nine bushes that each receive a different brand of fertilizer.
Constants: The amount of sunlight (morning), the soil type, the amount of water, and the amount of fertilizer (3 cups) are all kept constant to ensure a fair test of the hypothesis.
The experiment demonstrates a scientific approach to testing the effect of an independent variable (fertilizer type) on a dependent variable (flower color), ensuring that all other potential variables remain constant. This is exemplified in the control group, where lack of fertilizer serves to show the natural color outcome without the influence of external additives.