Let’s go through each scenario one by one to figure out what the
independent variable and
dependent variable are.
Remember:
- The
independent variable is what you change or control in the experiment.
- The
dependent variable is what you measure or observe — it depends on the independent variable.
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Scenario 1: Cow with growth hormone
You’re giving one cow a growth hormone and not giving it to another. Then you weigh them at 2 years.
→ What did you CHANGE? → Whether the cow got the growth hormone or not.
→ What did you MEASURE? → Their weight at 2 years.
So:
- Independent = Growth hormone (given or not)
- Dependent = Weight of the cow at 2 years
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Scenario 2: Mosquito repellent on one arm
You spray repellent on one arm, leave the other bare. After 2 hours, you count bites.
→ What did you CHANGE? → Whether repellent was sprayed or not.
→ What did you MEASURE? → Number of mosquito bites.
So:
- Independent = Spray or no spray (repellent applied or not)
- Dependent = Number of mosquito bites after 2 hours
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Scenario 3: Grape in tap water vs salt water
One grape in tap water, one in salt water. Measure mass change after a day.
→ What did you CHANGE? → Type of water (tap or salt)
→ What did you MEASURE? → Change in mass of the grape
So:
- Independent = Type of water (tap or salt)
- Dependent = Change in mass of the grape after a day
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Final Answer:
| Scenario | Independent | Dependent |
|----------|-------------|-----------|
| 1. Cow given growth hormone | Whether the cow received growth hormone | Weight of the cow at 2 years |
| 2. Mosquito repellent on one arm | Whether repellent was sprayed on the arm | Number of mosquito bites after 2 hours |
| 3. Grape in tap water vs salt water | Type of water (tap or salt) | Change in mass of the grape after a day |
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of independent variable dependent variable worksheet.
