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

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

What is the DEPENDENT variable (effect) in this experiment?

"Does eating breakfast improve test scores?"

• eating breakfast or not

• the grade you got on the test

• what time you get up in the morning

• how tasty the breakfast is

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

You are testing how the amount you water a plant affects its growth. What would be the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE in this experiment.

• They type of pot you put the plants in.

• The amount you water each plant.

• The amount of sunlight the plants get.

• The amount the plant grows.

Tags

CCSS.6.EE.C.9

Mr. Pransky wants to see how different surfaces affect how high a tennis ball can bounce. What is the independent variable?

• the different surfaces

• using the same ball

• how high they bounce

Tags

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.3

If you were testing the time it took for objects of different sizes to reach the ground after being dropped from 30 feet in the air, which of these would be the DEPENDENT VARIABLE?

• The time it takes for each object to hit the ground.

• The size of each object.

• The type of object you use.

• The height you drop the object from

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

CCSS.HSS.IC.B.5

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

Research Question: Does the type of gasoline put in a car effect how fast the car can drive. What is the independent variable?

• Type of gasoline
• which car the gas is put into
• how fast the car can drive
• how much gas is put into the car

What is the DEPENDENT variable (effect) in this experiment?

"Does eating breakfast improve test scores?"

• eating breakfast or not

• the grade you got on the test

• what time you get up in the morning

• how tasty the breakfast is

• The dependent variable is total cost
• The dependent variable is weight
• The independent variable is total cost
• The independent variable is cost of a package

Tags

CCSS.HSA.CED.A.2

CCSS.HSA.REI.D.10

CCSS.HSA.SSE.A.1