1. Science Skills: Variables
Self Check
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2. A variable is something that can vary or change
A variable is something that can vary or change. What are the variables in this statement?
The time it takes to run a 10 km race depends on the amount of training the runner does.
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3. The time it takes to run a 10 km race depends on the amount of training the runner does.
The independent variable is the amount of exercise.
The dependent variable is the time it takes to run a
10 km race.
It is not enough to say just “time” or “training” – you must describe the I.V. and tell how the D.V. is measured.
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4. What are the variables in this statement?
The temperature of water is measured at different depths in a lake.
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5. The temperature of water is measured at different depths in a lake.
The independent variable is the depth of the lake.
The dependent variable is the temperature of the water.
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6. What are the variables in this statement?
The more water a plant gets,
the taller it will grow.
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7. The more water a plant gets, the taller it will grow.
The independent variable is the amount of water.
The dependent variable is the height of the grass.
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8. What are the variables in this statement?
The number of puppies in a litter is determined by the weight of the mother dog.
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9. The number of puppies in a litter is determined by the weight of the mother dog.
The independent variable is the weight of the mother dog.
The dependent variable is the number of puppies in the litter.
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10. What are the variables in this statement?
The California Department of Fish and Game has been counting the number of coyotes in Sierra County. Will the number of coyotes have any effect on the rabbit population?
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11. The California Department of Fish and Game has been counting the number of coyotes in Sierra County. Will the number of coyotes have any effect on the rabbit population?
The independent variable is the number of coyotes.
The dependent variable is the rabbit population.