1. Process Skills - Variables
Definition
A variable is anything in an experiment that can change. A fair and valid experiment will only have one variable that is changing at a time.
3 Types
These factors are known as the independent, dependent, and controlled variables

2. Process Skills - Variables
Independent
The part of the experiment that you intentionally change
Causes a change
Answers the question, “What I changed?”
A fair experiment will only have one independent variable

4. Process Skills - Variables
Dependent
The part of the experiment that you measure or observe
Effects of a change
Answers the question, “What I looked for?”
Changes should be measurable

6. Process Skills - Variables
Controlled
The parts of the experiment that you keep the same
Answers the question, “What did I keep the same?”
Will be more than one controlled variable in an experiment 6

8. Process Skills - Variables
Practice
1. Does more fertilizer make a plant grow faster?
Independent amount of fertilizer used (grams)
Dependent height of plant (inches)
Controlled type of plant, amount of water, amount of sunlight, type of soil
2. How does the summer heat affect the finish times of marathon runners?
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Controlled variables 8