Independent and Dependent Variables

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 and get more accurate results

• It does not matter, you can have as many independent variables as you want.

• None of these answers are correct

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

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 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-PS2-2

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-LS2-1

The variable that is measured. It is the result of the experiment.

• Controlled Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Independent Variable

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

Which of the following best describes the relationship between an independent variable and a dependent variable?

• The independent variable is changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

• The dependent variable is changed to observe its effect on the independent variable.

• Both variables are changed simultaneously.

• Neither variable is changed.

Tags

DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

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

• Amount of water given to the plants

• Type of soil used

• Amount of sunlight received

• Height of the plants

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is a dependent variable in an experiment measuring the effect of fertilizer on plant height?

• Type of fertilizer used

• Amount of fertilizer used

• Height of the plants

• Type of plants used

Tags

DOK Level 1: Recall