Independent vs Dependent Variables Write on the RIGHT Side

Variables are factors that can change in a scientific investigation What is a variable? Variables are factors that can change in a scientific investigation

Independent Variable Also called the Test Variable This is the factor that is deliberately manipulated (changed) in an experiment You can determine your independent variable from your hypothesis An experiment should have ONE independent variable Scientists TRY to keep ALL OTHER variables constant (other variables stay the same)

Dependent Variable Also called the outcome variable The factor that changes as a RESULT of manipulation of the independent variable What you measure in an experiment

Examples Identify the independent variable, dependent variable, and constants in the following questions. How is plant height affected by the amount of sunlight it receives? IV: DV: Constant: How does a person’s heart rate change as speed of movement increases?

CONSTANT: STAYS THE SAME Remember! IV: YOU CHANGE DV: YOU MEASURE CONSTANT: STAYS THE SAME

Reflection (Write on the LEFT SIDE) Write the questions and underline the independent variables in one color and the dependent variables in another color for each: How do different brands of fertilizer affect plant growth? Do sleep patterns affect student test scores? Is weight loss impacted by different sports played? Does sunlight exposure increase the risk of getting skin cancer? Is your cell phone bill affected by the amount of data you use?