Independent and Dependent Variables

Nick wanted to see how high an ice cube would float in different temperatures of water. Identify the independent variable.

• height of ice cube

• temperature of ice cube in water

• temperature of water

• amount of water

A bug repellent was sprayed on one arm. On the other arm, the bug repellent was not sprayed. After 2 hours, the number of bug bites are recorded. What is the independent variable?

• The type of bug repellent

• If an arm was sprayed with bug repellent or not

• The number of bug bites

A bug repellent was sprayed on one arm. On the other arm, the bug repellent was not sprayed. After 2 hours, the number of bug bites are recorded. What is the dependent variable?

• The type of bug repellent

• If an arm was sprayed with bug repellent or not

• The number of bug bites

Javier and his twin sister both have the same science exam. Javier sleeps for 9 hours the night before the exam and his sister sleeps for 6 hours. After they take the test, they both compare their test grades. What is the independent variable?

• The number of hours of sleep they had

• The type of test

• The test grades

Javier and his twin sister both have the same science exam. Javier sleeps for 9 hours the night before the exam and his sister sleeps for 6 hours. After they take the test, they both compare their test grades. What is the dependent variable?

• The test grades

• The number of hours of sleep they had

• The type of test

Group A decides to exercise for a month. Group B decides not to exercise during the same month. Afterwards, they measure the amount of weight that each group lost. what is the independent variable?

• How much weight each group lost

• The type of exercise

• If group exercises or not

Group A decides to exercise for a month. Group B decides not to exercise during the same month. Afterwards, they measure the amount of weight that each group lost. what is the dependent variable?

• If a group exercises or not

• How much weight each group lost

• The type of exercise

One math class studies for an upcoming test while another math class does not study for the same test. The test scores of the two classes are compared afterwards. What is the independent variable?

• The test scores

• If a class studies or not

• The type of class

One math class studies for an upcoming test while another math class does not study for the same test. The test scores of the two classes are compared afterwards. What is the dependent variable?

• If a class studies or not

• The type of class

• The test scores

One plant is given sunlight every day. Another plant of the same type is not given any sunlight. After 3 weeks, the height of each plant is measured. What is the dependent variable?

• How tall the plants are

• The type of plant

• If a plant receives sunlight or not

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS2-1