Science Variables

A researcher did an investigation to see if corn seeds would sprout at different times depending on three different water temperatures in which they were placed. What is the independent (also known as the manipulated) variable?

• How long to sprout

• Type of seed used

• Water temperatures

• How much water used

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

A study was done to see if different tire treads affect the braking distance of a car.

What is the dependent (or responding) variable?

• Tire treads

• Braking distance

• Road conditions

• Model of car

An investigation found that more potatoes would be produced on a farm if the soil was fertilized more.

What is a controlled variable?

• Number of potatoes

• Amount of fertilizer

• Science

• The location of the farm

Students measured the temperature of the water at different depths in Lake Skywalker and found that the temperature varied.

What was the dependent (or responding) variable?

• Time

• Temperature

• Student taking the measurement

• Water depth

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

Identify the INDEPENDENT (manipulated) VARIABLE : You experiment to see if a bouncy ball or a tennis ball bounces higher.

• Type of ball

• Same drop height

• Height of bounce

• Same surface

Identify the DEPENDENT (responding) VARIABLE: You experiment to see if the type of liquid changes how fast it can drain out of the tornado tube

• Amount of liquid

• Type of liquid

• Technique of swirl

• Speed to drain

What you measure or observe in an experiment.

• constant variable

• controlled variable

• dependent variable

• independent variable

The ONE thing you change in an experiment.

• independent (manipulated) variable

• controlled variable

• dependent (responding) variable

All the things that have to stay the same in an experiment (except for the one thing you change).

• independent variable

• controlled variable

• dependent variable

Justin wants to determine the effect of fertilizer on the growth of grass. What is the independent (manipulated) variable?

• amount of fertilizer

• height of grass

• type of plant

• time