Independent Vs. Dependent Variables

This variable in an experiment is the one being deliberately changed by the scientist. 

• dependent variable
• independent variable
• data
• control group

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.A.2C

Mr. S. sets up an experiment to see how the mass of a ball affects the distance it rolls off a ramp.  Identify the independent variable.

• distance traveled by the ball
• height of the ramp
• mass of the ball
• weight of the ball

Tags

CCSS.8.F.B.4

CCSS.HSF.LE.A.2

A student is planning an experiment to find out how the height from which he drops a ball affects how high the ball bounces. The dependent variable is the _____.

• Diameter of the ball
• Force acting on the ball
• Height that the ball bounces
• Height from which the ball is dropped

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

When experimenting with the growth of a plant, a scientist uses three (of the same type of) plants, two different fertilizers, equal light, and equal water. What type of variable is the fertilizer?

• Dependent
• Independent
• Control
• Compound

Tags

CCSS.HSF-LE.A.1C

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, what is the dependent variable?

• Type of plant
• Water, apple juice, milk
• Plant growth
• Color of the plant's leaves

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The higher the temperature of water, the faster the egg will cook.  Select the independent variable.

• Faster Egg Cooks
• Higher Temperature

Tags

CCSS.HSF-LE.A.1B

An investigation was done to see if keeping the lights on for different amount of time each day affected the number of eggs the chicken lay.  Select the dependent variable.

• Keeping the lights on
• Amount of time each day
• Number of eggs the chicken lay
• Investigation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

The time it takes to run a mile depends on the amount of exercise a person gets. Select the dependent variable.

• Amount of exercise
• Time to run
• None of the above

The independent variable is the "cause" of the situation.

• True
• False

The score on the final test depended on the number of study questions the student completed.  Select the independent variable.

• Score on final test
• Number of study questions
• Student
• None of these