1. Independent vs. Dependent Variables

2. Independent Variable The one factor that you (the scientist) intentionally change in an experiment – What is being tested

3. What is the independent variable? Will the starting temperature of chocolate affect how long it takes for it to melt?

4. Independent variable= The starting temperature of the chocolate

5. Dependent Variables The factor that might be affected by the independent variable – What is observed and measured in the experiment

6. What is the dependent variable? Will the starting temperature of chocolate affect how long it takes for it to melt?

7. Dependent variable= The time it takes for the chocolate to melt

8. The Difference The dependent variable depends on the independent variable. – The time it takes for the chocolate to melt depends on the starting temperature of the chocolate. (It wouldn’t make sense the other way around)

9. Practice identifying variables: Does listening to classical music make you more relaxed (slower heart rate)? Does studying make your grades in school better? Do yellow flowers attract more bees than red flowers?