Independent/ Dependent Variables

An experiment is being done to determine how light affects the growth of small zinnia plants. One plant is placed in full sunlight, the second in a shaded area, the third in an unlit closet. What is the independent variable in the experiment?

• the amount of light
• the type of plants
• the type of soil
• the length of the experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

True or False - Experiments should have many independent variables.

• TRUE
• FALSE

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

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

• dependent variable
• independent variable
• data
• control group

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

The part of the experiment that remains the same for the control and experimental group.

• constants
• control
• independent
• dependent

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

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

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

• Type of fertilizer
• Size of sunflower
• type of sun flower

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

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

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

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

Sam wanted to know if the color of the chair you sat in when taking a test affected your test grade. What is the dependent variable.

• Color or chair
• Grade on test
• Age of students