Variables & Graphing

​Scientific Variables & Graphing

By Kathryn Polson

A variable is anything that can change or be changed. In other words, it is any factor that can be manipulated, controlled for, or measured in an experiment. The 3 main types are

• Independent - The factor that is changed

• ​Dependent - The factor that is measured

• Controlled - The factors that are kept the same​

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​Types of variables

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Categorize

Options (4)

Idea based on an observation

Dependent Variable

Control

Independent Variable

Organize these options into the right categories

Variable YOU Change

What stays THE SAME

Data

Inference

Multiple Choice

One math class studies for an upcoming test while another math class does not study for the same test. The test scores of the two classes are compared afterwards. What is the independent variable?

• The test scores

• If a class studies or not

• The type of class

Multiple Choice

One math class studies for an upcoming test while another math class does not study for the same test. The test scores of the two classes are compared afterwards. What is the dependent variable?

• The test scores

• If a class studies or not

• The type of class

During an experiment, you measure how much each variable changes. At the end, we have a lot of data that needs to be put in a format that makes it easy for people to understand. For this, scientists use data tables, charts and graphs.

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​Graphing

When creating a graph, ​you must remember to put the variables on the correct axes. The independent variable goes on the X-axis and the dependent variable goes on the Y-axis. The acronym DRY MIX can help you to remember this.

​Graphing variables

Multiple Choice

Where on you graph would you place the manipulated or independent variable?

• Y-axis

• X-axis

• At the center of the graph

• At the x-axis intersection

Multiple Choice

On a graph, which axis shows the dependent variable?

• x-axis
• y-axis
• neither
• it changes

Multiple Select

Identify the independent and dependent variable using the graph.

• The dependent variable is total cost
• The dependent variable is weight
• The independent variable is total cost
• The independent variable is weight