Understanding the Dependent Variable
A Grade 8 science worksheet focusing on identifying and understanding dependent variables in scientific experiments.
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Understanding the Dependent Variable
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Read each question carefully and provide your best answer. This worksheet focuses on identifying and understanding the dependent variable in scientific experiments.
1. In an experiment, the dependent variable is the factor that is or measured.
2. The dependent variable is the outcome that on changes made to the independent variable.
3. Scientists observe how the variable responds to the manipulated variable.
1. Which of the following best describes a dependent variable?
The variable that is changed by the scientist.
The variable that is kept constant throughout the experiment.
The variable that is measured or observed as a result of the experiment.
The variable that has no effect on the experimental outcome.
2. A scientist wants to test if the amount of sunlight affects plant growth. What is the dependent variable in this experiment?
Amount of sunlight
Plant growth
Type of plant
Amount of water
1. Design a simple experiment to test the effect of different brands of fertilizer on tomato plant yield. Identify the independent and dependent variables.
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:
2. Explain why it is important to identify the dependent variable before conducting an experiment.
1. The dependent variable is the cause in a cause-and-effect relationship.
True
False
2. The dependent variable is influenced by the independent variable.
True
False