1. Identifying Variables

2. Types of Variables There are 2 main types of variables:
Independent Variable: The variable that is changed by the scientist; the ‘I control’ variable
Dependent Variable: The variable that might change because of what the scientist changes – what is being measured = the DATA

3. Remember! Your hypothesis can TELL you what your variables are!
Ex. If I drink Mountain Dew before bed, then I will not sleep very much.
IV: Drinking Mountain Dew
DV: the amount of sleep

4. Use this hypothesis to identify the variables:
Practice
Use this hypothesis to identify the variables:
If I leave all the lights on all day,
then my electric bill will be expensive
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

5. The taste of fruit depends upon how ripe it is.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

6. The tire is flat due to a hole in it.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

7. Happiness of teachers results from students passing tests.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

8. Outgoing students will have more fun at school events.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

9. Completing homework impacts test grades.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

10. The air pressure of a basketball affects the height when bounced.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

11. The amount of money one has determines what he/she will buy.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

12. The larger the balloon, the louder the POP!
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

13. The number of students at school depends on the day of the week.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

14. If I brush my cat more, then there will be less fur on my furniture
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

15. If I miss the bus then I will be late for school.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

16. The warmer it is outside, the more people will be at the pool.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

17. The amount of water affects the growth of a plant
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

18. Now read the following experiment and identify the independent and dependent variables
Elizabeth wanted to test if temperature affected how fast milk goes bad and curdles. She left milk in a room temperature closet, a fridge, and a oven that was turned on low heat. She then measured how rotten the milk was after 10 days.
IV: ____________________________________
DV: ____________________________________