Identifying Variables

Identifying Variables Within Testable Questions

Your results; what can be measured; what you want to know independent variable

Dependent/Responding

What is it you are changing/testing

Think Choices!!

​Independent/
Manipulated

Remember These Brain Clicks!

Will gators, snakes, or turtles consume more calories during the summer months?

What results are you looking for? What can be measured?


A. the amount of calories consumed in the summer

​Dependent Variable

What are you changing or testing? What are your choice?

A. animals (gator, snake, turtle

Independent Variable

Do hummingbirds prefer the color red over other colors?

The number of birds attracted to each color

Dependent/Responding

The colors (you are changing this)

Independent/
Manipulated

Which blood type do mosquitoes prefer; O, A+, A-, B, B+, B-, or AB?

The number of mosquitoes attracted to each blood type.

​Dependent/Responding

Blood Type

Independent/Manipulated

Multiple Choice

Do students preform better on a test in a cool room (temperature below 72 degrees) or a warm room (temperature above 76 degrees)? Identify the independent variable.

• the temperature of the room

• the students

• the scores on the test

• the type of test given

Multiple Choice

Will pine trees grow taller in topsoil, sandy soil, or red clay soil? Identify your dependent variable.

• the type of soil

• the growth of the pine tree

• the pine trees

• the time of year the trees were planted

Multiple Choice

Which animal is the most preferred type of pet: fish, hamster, dog, cat, or parakeet? Identify the manipulated variable.

• the number of animals kept as pets

• the homes the animals are kept in

• the amount of food the pets eat

• the types of animals

Multiple Choice

Which of the four seasons will have the highest average rainfall? Identify the responding variable.

• the four seasons

• the average rainfall

• the number of rainy days

• the number of sunny days

Multiple Choice

Which vacation spot sees the most visitors: mountains, beach, historical locations, or sporting events? Identify the dependent variable.

• the vacation spots

• the time of year

• the mountains

• number of visitors to each location

Multiple Choice

Which month has the highest number of births in the United States? Identify the independent variable.

• the months of the year

• the number of births

• the United States

• the number of males vs females born

Multiple Choice

Ursula investigated to see if ferns grew best underneath artificial lights or in direct sunlight. Identify the dependent variable.

• the ferns

• the growth of the ferns

• the type of lighting

• the pots the ferns were planted in

Multiple Choice

Edward investigated to see if his ATV ran faster using either 83 octane gas or 93 octane gas. Identify the independent variable.

• the speed of the ATV

• the gas put in the ATV

• the tires on the ATV

• the oil placed in the ATV

Poll

How well do you feel about being able to identify variables in an investigation?

• Great! No problem

• Pretty good, but I could practice more.

• OK, but still having difficulty

• I still do not know how to do this! Help me!!