Types of Variables in a Scientific Experiment Cornell Notes Page 37

Independent Variable (IV) Independent Variable (IV) Dependent Variable (DV) Dependent Variable (DV) The “Cause” The “Cause” Variable being tested Variable being tested “I change” “I change” The “Effect” The “Effect” Variable being measured Variable being measured “depends” on independent variable “depends” on independent variable

Constants/ Constants/ Controlled Variables ( CV ) ( CV ) Any variable that is kept the same (constant) or is controlled so that it does not alter the results of the experiment. Any variable that is kept the same (constant) or is controlled so that it does not alter the results of the experiment. Min. 3 required Min. 3 required Ask, “what else could change the DV?” and then control those things! Ask, “what else could change the DV?” and then control those things!

The grass on my lawn is brown. The grass on my lawn is brown. I hypothesized that “If I fertilize my grass everyday, then it will turn green again.” I hypothesized that “If I fertilize my grass everyday, then it will turn green again.” I sprinkled on some fertilizer and started watering my grass everyday. After a month, it turned green again! I sprinkled on some fertilizer and started watering my grass everyday. After a month, it turned green again!