Independent and Dependent Variables

Front

What is an independent variable?

Back

An independent variable is the factor that is changed or controlled in an experiment to test its effects on the dependent variable.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Front

What is a dependent variable?

Back

A dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

In an experiment, if you change the amount of sunlight a plant receives, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of sunlight.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

Front

In an experiment, if you measure how tall a plant grows based on different amounts of water, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The height of the plant.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Front

How does changing the temperature of water affect the solubility of sugar? Identify the independent variable.

Back

The temperature of the water.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

Front

How does the type of fertilizer affect plant growth? Identify the dependent variable.

Back

The growth of the plants.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Front

What is the relationship between independent and dependent variables?

Back

The independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Front

If a student studies for different amounts of time, what is the independent variable?

Back

The amount of time spent studying.

Front

If a student’s test score changes based on the amount of time they study, what is the dependent variable?

Back

The test score.

Front

In a study on how different tire treads affect braking distance, what is the independent variable?

Back

The different tire treads.