Understanding the Dependent Variable
This worksheet helps 6th-grade students identify and understand the dependent variable in scientific experiments.
Includes
Standards
Understanding the Dependent Variable
Name:
Date:
Score:
Read each question carefully and follow the instructions to identify the dependent variable in different scientific scenarios.
1. What is the dependent variable in an experiment?
The variable that is changed by the scientist.
The variable that is measured or observed.
The variable that stays the same.
The variable that controls the experiment.
2. A scientist is testing how different amounts of fertilizer affect plant growth. What is the dependent variable?
The amount of fertilizer.
The type of plant.
The plant growth.
The amount of water.
3. The dependent variable is the variable that is in an experiment.
4. In an experiment testing how sunlight affects bean plant height, the bean plant height is the variable.
5. Explain the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable in a scientific experiment.
6. The dependent variable is the cause in an experiment.
True
False
7. You measure the dependent variable to see if it changes.
True
False
Look at the image below of a science experiment setup.
8. Imagine this setup is used to test how different types of paper affect how quickly water moves up the paper. Identify the dependent variable in this experiment.