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

Tags

CCSS.HSS.ID.B.5

The factors that stay the same or are constant throughout the experiment.

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

In a controlled experiment, how many independent variables can be tested at a time?

• one

• none

• two or more

• how ever many makes sense.

Why is it important to have only one independent variable and to control the other variables when performing science experiments?

• So you can tell which factor is causing the change in the experiment.

• It does not matter, you can have as many independent variables as you want.

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

• independent; dependent
• dependent; independent

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Dilcia wants to know how drinking milk affects how tall a Monica grows. Which is the independent variable?

• Monica's growth
• drinking milk

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

Does the flavor of ice cream effect how fast the ice cream melts?

(Identify the highlighted variable)

• independent

• dependent

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Does the type of shoe worn during a 30 meter dash affect the speed of the runner? (Identify the highlighted variable)

• independent

• dependent

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS2-1

How does increasing the slope of a ramp affect how far a marble travels?

(Identify the highlighted variable)

• independent

• dependent

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2