Scientific Variables

Scientific Variables

A variable is any factor that can change.

2

What is a Variable?

Remember!
Complete the Google Form in Canvas after the lesson today!

Multiple Choice

In an experiment, a variable is...

• Something that remains the same.

• Something that is changed.

• A constant

• The hypothesis

Multiple Select

Identify the variables in the experiment:

• The type of liquid

• The ruler

• The plant

• The plant height

Multiple Select

What are the variables in this experiment:

• The type of plant

• The type of soil

• The plant height

• The amount of sunlight

Independent(test) Variable

What is changed by the scientist in an experiment.

The variable we are testing or comparing in
the experiment is the independent variable.
It's the CAUSE in the experiment.

1

Multiple Choice

The independent (test) variable is ___________.

• The cause

• The effect

Multiple Choice

What is the independent variable in this experiment:

• The pot

• The soil

• The plant height

• The type of liquid

Dependent (OutCome) Variable

What is measured in an experiment.

The data collected in an experiment is the dependent variable.

It's the EFFECT in the experiment.

2

Multiple Choice

The dependent (outcome) variable is ___________.

• The cause

• The effect

Multiple Choice

What is the dependent variable in this experiment:

• The pot

• The soil

• The plant height

• The type of liquid

Control Variable

What is kept constant in an experiment.

The variables we keep the same in an experiment, so that only ONE variable is tested.

3

Multiple Choice

In an experiment, the constant, or control, is...

• Something that is changed.

• What you're measuring.

• Something that does not change.

• Your conclusion.

Multiple Choice

The controlled variable __________ in an experiment.

• Changes by the scientist

• Stays the same

• is the test variable

• is the outcome variable

Multiple Select

What is the controlled variables in this experiment:

• The pot

• The soil

• The plant height

• The type of liquid

Let’s Practice!

14

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to only change the independent variable in an experiment?

• It's not important.

• To keep the experiment fair.

• To prove your hypothesis correct

• To make sure you have enough detail for your conclusion.

Multiple Choice

Steve wanted to see if the type of fertilizer he uses in his garden makes his sunflowers grow larger. If he did an experiment to find this out, what would be the independent variable?

• Type of fertilizer

• Size of sunflower

• type of sun flower

Multiple Choice

In this same experiment of Steve finding out which type of fertilizer would make his sunflowers grow larger, what would be the dependent variable?

• Type of fertilizer

• Size of sunflower

• Type of sunflower

Multiple Choice

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid, water, apple juice and Gatorade. Each plant has the same amount of sunlight, soil and listens to the same music. What is the controlled variables?

• The size of the plant.

• The type of liquid.

• There are no controls.

• Amount of sunlight, soil and music.

Multiple Choice

Sam wanted to know if the color of the chair you sat in when taking a test affected your test grade. What is the dependent variable.

• Color or chair

• Grade on test

• Age of students

Multiple Choice

Robert wanted to know if the type of phone you used gave you better or worse service. What is the independent variable. 

• Location of phone call

• Type of phone

• How good the service was

Multiple Choice

Sarah wanted to find out if the size of a car tire made it a smoother ride over bumps. What is the independent variable?

• Size of tire

• How smooth the ride was over bumps

• Type of car

Multiple Choice

Penelope wanted to see if the temperature of the oven made cookies softer or harder. What is the independent variable.

• Hardness of cookie

• Type of oven

• Temperature of oven

Multiple Choice

Ramone wants to know: does the distance a person kicks a soccer ball effect how well they will do on their math test.  What is the dependent variable?

• How far they kick the soccer ball

• who the person is

• how well they do on the math test

• Type of soccer ball.

Multiple Choice

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, the independent variable is ...

• The type of plant

• The amount of sunlight

• The type of music

• The type of liquid