Understanding Variables in Experiments

In an experiment to test the effect of different amounts of sunlight on plant growth, what is the dependent variable?

• The type of plant

• The amount of sunlight

• The growth of the plant

• The type of soil

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

A student wants to test how the temperature of water affects the time it takes for sugar to dissolve. What is the independent variable?

• The amount of sugar

• The temperature of the water

• The time it takes for the sugar to dissolve

• The type of sugar

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-4

In an experiment to determine if the type of fertilizer affects the height of tomato plants, what should be the control variable?

• The type of fertilizer

• The height of the tomato plants

• The amount of water given to the plants

• The type of tomato plant

A researcher is studying the effect of different diets on the weight gain of mice. What is the dependent variable?

• The type of diet

• The weight gain of the mice

• The age of the mice

• The type of cage

In an experiment to see how the amount of sleep affects test scores, what is the independent variable?

• The test scores

• The amount of sleep

• The type of test

• The age of the students

A scientist wants to know if the color of light affects the growth rate of algae. What should be the control variable?

• The color of light

• The growth rate of the algae

• The type of algae

• The amount of light

In an experiment to test the effect of different amounts of fertilizer on plant growth, what is the independent variable?

• The type of plant

• The amount of fertilizer

• The growth of the plant

• The type of soil

A student is testing how the concentration of salt in water affects the boiling point. What is the dependent variable?

• The concentration of salt

• The boiling point of the water

• The amount of water

• The type of salt

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

In an experiment to determine if the type of music affects the concentration levels of students, what should be the control variable?

• The type of music

• The concentration levels of students

• The age of the students

• The volume of the music

A researcher is studying the effect of different exercise routines on the heart rate of adults. What is the independent variable?

• The heart rate of adults

• The type of exercise routine

• The age of the adults

• The duration of the exercise