Goal: To demonstrate student understanding of independent and dependent variables Procedure . Part I: Identify the dependent and independent variable in each of the eight investigations below. Remember the following definitions: INDEPENDENT The factor controlled (or changed) by the experimenter. This might also be VARIABLE described as the change made by the experimenter on purpose. It is sometimes called the manipulated variable. DEPENDENT The factor (or result) which changes because of what the experimenter docs. VARIABLE The dependent variable is the change that occurs because of what the Experimenter does: It gets changed by the independent variable. It is sometimes called the responding variable. Example: You are investigating how soil type influences bean stem growth In your investigation... Independent variable (the variable that you are controlling) is pipes of soil used. b. Dependent variable (the results) would be the growth of bean stems. 1. Is plant growth affected by the color of 5. Which battery has the longest life span? light in which it grows? a. Independent variable: a. Independent variable b. Dependent variable: b. Dependent variable 2. Which laundry detergent removes stains 6. Which paint resists weathering more effectively? more effectively? a. Independent variable: a. Independent variable: b. Dependent variable: b. Dependent variable: 7. Do different types of music affect student math 3. Does the type of oil affect the size of accuracy? popcorn? a. Independent variable: a. Independent variable: b. Dependent variable: b. Dependent variable: 8. How do different salts affect the melting point of 4. Which type of paper towel is more absorber ice? a. Independent variable: a. Independent variable: b. Dependent variable: b. Dependent variable