Understanding Variables in Experiments

Which variable is the one that a scientist changes on purpose in an experiment?

• Dependent variable

• Independent variable

• Controlled variable

• Responding variable

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

In the hypothesis, "If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow taller," what is the dependent variable?

• Amount of sunlight

• Type of plant

• Height of the plant

• Amount of water

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

What is a hypothesis?

• A guess with no evidence

• A testable statement predicting the relationship between variables

• A list of materials

• A summary of results

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Which of the following best describes a dependent variable?

• The variable that is kept the same

• The variable that is measured or observed

• The variable that is changed by the scientist

• The variable that is not important

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

In an experiment testing how the amount of fertilizer affects plant growth, what is the independent variable?

• Type of plant

• Amount of fertilizer

• Height of plant

• Amount of water

Which of the following is a correctly written hypothesis?

• Plants need water.

• If the temperature increases, then the rate of ice melting will increase.

• Water is important for life.

• The sky is blue.

Given the hypothesis, "If the amount of sugar in water increases, then the time it takes to dissolve will decrease," identify the independent variable.

• Amount of sugar in water

• Time it takes to dissolve

• Temperature of water

• Type of sugar

Which statement is an example of a hypothesis that can be tested?

• If a ball is dropped from a greater height, then it will bounce higher.

• Balls are fun to play with.

• Bouncing is interesting.

• Some balls are red.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

A student wants to test if the type of liquid affects how fast an ice cube melts. What is the dependent variable?

• Type of liquid

• Size of ice cube

• Time taken for ice cube to melt

• Temperature of the room

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

Which of the following best explains why it is important to identify variables in an experiment?

• To make the experiment more fun

• To know what to measure and what to change

• To use more materials

• To finish the experiment faster

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4