Identifying Variables
A science experiment has three kinds of variables.
• Independent variable – The factor that changes in an experiment
• Dependent variable – What is being measured in an experiment
• Control variable – The factor that remains constant in an experiment
Identify the three variables in the following scenarios
Two groups of fifth graders were tested to compare their speed solving long division problems. One group had calculators, the other didn’t.
What is the dependent variable?
speed
What is the independent variable?
One has calculators and one does not
What is the control variable?
Two groups of 5th graders
Students of different grades were given the same jigsaw puzzle to assemble. The time they took to assemble it was measured.
What is the dependent variable?
speed
What is the independent variable?
Different grades
What is the control variable?
The jigsaw was the same
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