Independent Variable vs Dependent Variable Notes

When I think of Independent I
think of …

What could I test? (Independent variables)

What do I observe/measure? (dependent variable)

Jump height Speed measurements

How long does the polish last?

Kinds of Variables

Independent Variable –
◦What is tested
◦What is manipulated

Dependent Variable – something that might be
affected by the change in the independent
variable

◦What is observed
◦What is measured
◦The data collected during the investigation

Students of different
ages were given the
same jigsaw puzzle to
put together. They were
timed to see how long it
took to finish the puzzle.

Identify the independent and dependent
variables in this investigation.

Scenario

Students of different
ages were given the
same jigsaw puzzle to
put together. They were
timed to see how long it
took to finish the puzzle.

What are we testing out?

What will we be measuring?

Scenario

What was the independent
variable?

The ages of the students

Different ages were tested by the
scientist

What was the dependent variable?

The time it took to put the puzzle
together

The time was observed and measured
by the scientist

5

4

4

3

2

1

Ages of Children

Time

4 10 14

​This is how that looks on a graph

Now let’s make a graph

​This dance is known as "Take the 'L'". It's found in the video game, Fortnite

Many graphs are basically “L” shaped

So the first thing we’re going to do is draw an L

Now let’s be honest, how did you feel when
your teacher mentioned, “let’s draw a graph”?

D

I

D

I

Dependent Variable

Independent Variable

An investigation was done with an electromagnetic
system made from a battery and wire wrapped around
a nail. Different sizes of nails were used. The number
of paper clips the electromagnet could pick up was
measured.

Identify the independent and dependent
variables in this investigation.

Independent variable:

Sizes of nails

◦These were changed by the
scientist

Dependent variable:
Number of paper clips picked up
◦The number of paper clips
observed and counted (measured)