1. Identifying Variables

2. 2 Kinds of Variables
Independent Variable – something that is changed by the scientist
What is tested

3. 2 Kinds of Variables
Dependent Variable – something that might change because of what we did
What is measured

4. For Example:

5. Identify the independent and dependent variables.

6. Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle.

7. What was the independent variable?
Ages of the students
Different ages were tested by the scientist

8. What was the dependent variable?
The time it to put the puzzle together
The time was observed and measured by the scientist

9. Another example:

10. An experiment was done with a battery and wire wrapped around a nail
An experiment was done with a battery and wire wrapped around a nail. Different sizes of nails were used. The number of paper clips it could pick up was measured.

11. Independent variable:
Sizes of nails
These were changed by the scientist

12. Number of paper clips picked up
Dependent variable:
Number of paper clips picked up
The number of paper clips counted (measured)

13. One more:

14. The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will boil.

15. Independent variable – temperature of water
Dependent variable – time to cook an egg

16. Last one:

17. The temperature of water was measured at different depths of a pond.

18. Independent variable – depth of the water
Dependent variable – temperature

19. Exit Ticket: to be answered on the bottom of your notes

20. The greater the amount of soap in a soap and water mixture, the bigger a soap bubble can be blown.
Identify the variables
What exactly will be changed ?
What exactly will be measured ?
You must use the words independent and dependent variable.

21. The farther a ball drops, the higher it will bounce.
Identify the variables
What exactly will be changed ?
What exactly will be measured ?
You must use the words independent and dependent variable.