Identifying Variables Practice Worksheet

Matching: Match each variable type to its definition.

• The factors you keep the same to ensure a fair test.

• Independent Variable

• The factor you measure or observe in response to changes.

• Dependent Variable

• The factor you change on purpose in an experiment.

• Control Variable

A student wants to test if the amount of water affects how tall a sunflower grows. What is the independent variable?

• Type of plant

• Amount of water

• Height of the plant

• Type of soil

In an experiment to see if music affects how fast students complete math problems, what is the dependent variable?

• A. Type of music

• B. Number of students

• C. Time to complete problems

• D. Type of math problems

A scientist tests how temperature affects the rate at which ice melts. What is the control variable?

• Temperature

• Type of ice

• Time

• Size of the container

A class investigates whether the color of light affects plant growth. What is the dependent variable?

• Color of light

• Type of plant

• Amount of water

• Plant growth

A student wants to know if the type of paper affects how far a paper airplane flies. What is the independent variable?

• A. Type of paper

• B. Distance flown

• C. Type of airplane

• D. Throwing strength

A researcher wants to find out if the amount of sunlight affects the rate at which a plant grows. What is the independent variable?

• A. Amount of sunlight

• B. Rate of growth

• D. Amount of water

• C. Type of plant

A scientist is testing whether the type of fertilizer changes the number of tomatoes produced by a plant. What is the dependent variable?

• Type of fertilizer

• Number of tomatoes produced

• Type of plant

• Amount of water

In an experiment to see if the temperature of water affects how quickly sugar dissolves, what is the control variable?

• Temperature of water

• Amount of sugar

• Type of sugar

• Type of container

A scientist wants to test if the amount of fertilizer affects the height of bean plants. What is the independent variable?

• Amount of water

• Amount of fertilizer

• Type of plant

• Height of plants