Scientific experiments involve changing one factor (independent variable) and observing the effect on another (dependent variable), keeping all other factors (control variables) constant for comparison. For example, an experiment to find the fastest route home from school would involve timing different routes (independent variable) to see how it affects travel time (dependent variable), while always walking the routes yourself (control variable) so no other factor influences the results. The purpose of controls is to isolate the variable being tested and compare outcomes.