Science Variables

The variable that is changed by the scientist at the beginning of the experiment is called the _________

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• controlled variable

The variable that is observed at the end of the experiment is called the ________

• independent variable

• dependent variable

• controlled variable

Stacy measured the speed of 5 birds that lived around her house. What is the dependent variable?

• Type of Bird

• Speed of Bird

• weather outside

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

• Hardness of cookie

• Type of oven

• Temperature of oven

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

Molly investigated if the age of students caused them to be better drivers. What is the independent variable?

• Type of car
• Skill of driving
• Age of student

Steve wanted to see if the type of fertilizer made sunflowers grow larger. What is the dependent variable?

• Type of fertilizer

• Size of sunflower

• Type of sunflower

Scientific Question:  Does the type of sneaker you wear affect how fast you can run?
What is the dependent variable?

• type of sneaker
• how fast you run
• person

The variable that is being measured

• independent variable
• dependent variable
• control variable

The variable that is being tested or changed

• independent variable
• dependent variable
• control variable