UNDERSTANDING DEPENDENT

& INDEPENDENT VARIABLES

CHAPTER 0NE: INTRODUCTION TO

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CIRCUS OF EXPERIMENT

Objectives

To recap and ensure that the independent and dependent variables are placed correctly for a

range of experiments in tables.

To record data from an investigation.

Starter ActivityDo plastic bags of different colours have the

same strength

Learning is fun when behaviour is good

Do different types of plants grow to the same size

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Does ice melt quickly or slowly in water at different temperatures

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DEPENDENT VARIABLE

In an experiment that which is supposed to be changed by

the independent.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

In an experiment that which is supposed to be manipulated by

you. The variable manipulated by the

experimenter.

On a simple X-Y coordinate line graph the independent variable is always on

the X-axis. 

DATA ANALYSIS

List two independent variables that could affect how quickly or slowly the ice will

melt. Why are the variables independent?

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YOUR TASK

Independent Variable: A variable in an experiment which is altered by the

experimenter.

Write down a list of variables that will be altered by you if asked to

investigate:

Photosynthesis in plants

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MOVEMENT OF OBJECTSYou are investigating the movement of objects on ramps. What variables will you change? And what variable will you keep

the same?

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Electromagnets

How To Make an Electromagnethttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckSNA0MlcBE

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Investigating Factors Affecting the Time Taken For Indigestion Tablet To Dissolve

Can you plan this experiment and draw a table with two columns and write down the

variables on either side of the columns.

YOUR TABLE

Dependent Variable Independent Variable

Explain why the variables you have chosen are dependent and independent