Independent and Dependent Variables

The one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment.

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

The variable that is measured.

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

Changes in the _________ variable causes changes in the _________ variable.

• independent; dependent
• dependent; independent

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-6

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Ben makes five paper helicopters with different wing lengths. He drops them the same way from a height of two meters for five trials each. He records the amount of time it takes for each helicopter to fall to the ground.

What is the independent variable?

• Dropping the same way

• Wing Length

• Amount of time it takes the helicopter to hit the floor

• Dropping from the same height

Ben makes five paper helicopters with different wing lengths. He drops them the same way from a height of two meters for five trials each. He records the amount of time it takes for each helicopter to fall to the ground.

What is the dependent variable?

• Dropping the same way

• Wing Length

• Amount of time it takes the helicopter to hit the floor

• Dropping from the same height

Cindy wanted to find out how the amount of sunlight affects the growth of plants. She placed two tomato plants in 10 inch pots with potting soil and watered them ¼ cup each day. One plant was placed under a cardboard box and one was placed in the sunlight. She measured the growth of the plant each week for three weeks.

What is the dependent variable?

• Using the same type of plant

• Each plant was placed in a 10 inch pot

• The growth of the plant

• One plant is in the sunlight and the other is under a box

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

On a graph, which axis shows the dependent variable?

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

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

On a graph, which axis shows the independent variable?

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

The x- axis is the ___________________ number line in the coordinate plane.

• Vertical

• Diagonal

• Horizontal

• origin

Tags

CCSS.5.G.A.1

Asher 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