Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables

The one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment.

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

The variable that is measured.

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

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NGSS.MS-PS3-4

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

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

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

• one

• none

• two or more

• how ever many makes sense.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

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.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Ben makes five paper helicopters with different wing lengths. He drops them the same way from a height of two meters for five trials each. He records the amount of time it takes for each helicopter to fall to the ground.

What is the independent variable?

• Dropping the same way

• Wing Length

• Amount of time it takes the helicopter to hit the floor

• Dropping from the same height

Ben makes five paper helicopters with different wing lengths. He drops them the same way from a height of two meters for five trials each. He records the amount of time it takes for each helicopter to fall to the ground.

What is the dependent variable?

• Dropping the same way

• Wing Length

• Amount of time it takes the helicopter to hit the floor

• Dropping from the same height

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1

Ben makes five paper helicopters with different wing lengths. He drops them the same way from a height of two meters for five trials each. He records the amount of time it takes for each helicopter to fall to the ground.

What are two controlled variables? (Select 2 answers)

• Dropping the same way

• Wing Length

• Amount of time it takes the helicopter to hit the floor

• Dropping from the same height

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

Cindy wanted to find out how the amount of sunlight affects the growth of plants. She placed two tomato plants in 10 inch pots with potting soil and watered them ¼ cup each day. One plant was placed under a cardboard box and one was placed in the sunlight. She measured the growth of the plant each week for three weeks.

What is the independent variable?

• Using the same type of plant

• Each plant was placed in a 10 inch pot

• The growth of the plant

• One plant is in the sunlight and the other is under a box

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Cindy wanted to find out how the amount of sunlight affects the growth of plants. She placed two tomato plants in 10 inch pots with potting soil and watered them ¼ cup each day. One plant was placed under a cardboard box and one was placed in the sunlight. She measured the growth of the plant each week for three weeks.

What is the dependent variable?

• Using the same type of plant

• Each plant was placed in a 10 inch pot

• The growth of the plant

• One plant is in the sunlight and the other is under a box

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS1-6