Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables Worksheet | PDF - Free Printable
Educational worksheet: Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables Worksheet | PDF. Download and print for classroom or home learning activities.
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Step-by-step solution for: Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables Worksheet | PDF
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Show Answer Key & Explanations
Step-by-step solution for: Identifying Independent and Dependent Variables Worksheet | PDF
Let’s go through each question one by one. We’re looking for the Independent Variable (IV), Dependent Variable (DV), Control, and Constants in each experiment.
Remember:
- Independent Variable (IV) = what the person changes on purpose.
- Dependent Variable (DV) = what they measure or observe as a result.
- Control = the “normal” or baseline group used for comparison (often the one with no treatment or standard treatment).
- Constants = things kept the same so the test is fair.
---
Question 5: Jessica testing kitchen cleaners
She tests Pine-Sol, just water, Clorox, Lysol — those are her different treatments.
→ She’s changing the cleaner type → that’s the IV.
→ She measures how clean the counters get → that’s the DV.
→ The control would be just water (since it’s not a real cleaner — it’s the baseline).
→ Constants: amount of juice spilled (5 mL), wiping method (one paper towel), counter surface, etc.
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of cleaner
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Cleanliness of counter
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of grape juice, wiping method, counter type
---
Question 6: Evan testing toothpaste
He brushes with different products every day and measures plaque left.
→ He’s changing the toothpaste/product → IV.
→ He measures plaque left → DV.
→ Control? Probably water — since it’s not a cleaning product, it’s the baseline.
→ Constants: brushing time, toothbrush type, when he brushes, diet, etc. (anything else kept the same)
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of toothpaste/product
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Amount of plaque left
c. Control: Water
d. Constants: Brushing time, toothbrush, schedule, etc.
---
Question 7: Angelique testing shampoos
She tries Pantene, Herbal Essences, L’Oreal, and just water. Rates hair shine from 1–10.
→ Changing shampoo type → IV.
→ Measuring shine rating → DV.
→ Control: Just water (no shampoo — baseline)
→ Constants: amount of shampoo, washing technique, hair length before, drying method, etc.
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of shampoo
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Shine rating (1–10)
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of shampoo, washing method, hair condition before, etc.
---
Question 8: Harrison testing soil types
He grows roses in potting soil, clay, sand, and yard soil. Measures height and leaf count after one week.
→ Changing soil type → IV.
→ Measuring height and number of leaves → DV.
→ Control? Probably yard soil — because that’s where the rose bush originally came from. It’s the “normal” condition.
→ Constants: amount of water, sunlight, pot size, rose bush type, time grown, etc.
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of soil
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Height and number of leaves
c. Control: Yard soil
d. Constants: Water, sunlight, pot size, plant type, time
---
Question 9: Emily testing batteries
She puts Duracell, Energizer, Kroger brand, EverReady into a clock and sees which lasts longest.
→ Changing battery brand → IV.
→ Measuring how long the clock stops → DV.
→ Control? There isn’t really a “no battery” option here — but sometimes the most common or standard brand is used as control. Since none is specified, we might say there’s no true control, OR if forced to pick, maybe Duracell (if it’s considered standard). But technically, this experiment may not have a control — all are treatments.
Wait — let’s think again. In battery tests, often the “control” is the brand you normally use or expect to work. But since the problem doesn’t specify, and all are being tested equally, perhaps there is no control — or we can leave it blank? Actually, in many school contexts, if no untreated group exists, they still ask for control — so maybe none or not applicable.
But looking at pattern from other questions — in Q5,6,7, “just water” was control. Here, no “no battery” option. So likely, no control — but let’s check constants first.
Constants: same clock, same usage, same temperature, same starting time, etc.
Actually — rethinking: in some cases, the control is the “standard” or “expected best” — but since it’s not stated, perhaps the answer expects us to say there is no control — but that’s rare in these worksheets.
Alternatively — maybe EverReady? No, that’s arbitrary.
Wait — actually, in battery life experiments, sometimes the control is the battery that’s known to last long — but again, not specified.
Looking back at the pattern: in Q5,6,7, “just water” was control — meaning the thing with NO active ingredient. Here, all batteries have active ingredients. So perhaps this experiment has no control — but since the worksheet asks for it, maybe we should write “None” or leave blank? Hmm.
Actually — let me check typical answers for this kind of question. Often, if all groups are treated, and no untreated group, then control = none or not applicable. But since the worksheet includes “c. Control”, we must fill something.
Alternative idea: Maybe the control is the clock itself — but that doesn’t make sense.
No — better to say: There is no control group in this experiment — but since the format requires an answer, and based on similar problems, sometimes they accept “none” or skip.
Wait — let’s look at the original text: “She put each battery into a clock and recorded the time that the clock stopped.” All are tested under same conditions — so no control needed? But the question asks for it.
Perhaps in this context, since all are commercial batteries, and no “dead battery” or “no battery” is used, there is no control — but I think for school purposes, they might expect you to say “None” or leave it blank — but let’s see the pattern.
Actually — in Question 8, yard soil was control because it’s the original environment. Here, maybe Duracell is assumed control? Not really.
I think the safest answer is: Control: None (all are experimental groups) — but since the worksheet likely expects a filled answer, and given that in many such worksheets, if no untreated group, they still list one as control — perhaps we can say “Not applicable” — but let’s check online or standard practice.
Upon second thought — in battery tests like this, sometimes the control is the battery that is most commonly used or trusted — but since it’s not specified, I’ll go with:
→ Control: None — but since the format requires text, and to match others, perhaps leave as “N/A” — but let’s see.
Actually — looking at the user’s image, it’s multiple choice style with blanks — so we need to fill something.
Another approach: In some curricula, if all variables are manipulated, there is no control — but for consistency, let’s assume that the control is the battery that is expected to perform normally — but again, not specified.
Wait — perhaps I’m overcomplicating. Let’s look at the constants first.
Constants: same clock, same room temperature, same start time, same way of inserting battery, etc.
For control — since all are brands being tested, and no “baseline” like water or yard soil, I think the intended answer might be “None” — but let’s see what makes sense.
Actually — in Question 9, unlike others, there is no “untreated” group. So control is not present. But since the worksheet asks for it, perhaps write “Not applicable” or “None”.
But to match the style of previous answers, and since in Q5,6,7, “just water” was control, here there is no equivalent — so I’ll put:
c. Control: None
But let’s confirm with logic: Control is for comparison against the experimental groups. If all groups are experimental, no control. So yes.
✔ Final for Q9:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Battery brand
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Time until clock stops
c. Control: None (or Not Applicable)
d. Constants: Same clock, same environment, same insertion method, etc.
But to keep it simple for student, and since worksheet likely expects a word, I’ll say “None” for control.
---
Now, compiling all answers clearly:
---
Final Answer:
5.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of cleaner
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Cleanliness of counter
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of grape juice, wiping method, counter type
6.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of toothpaste/product
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Amount of plaque left
c. Control: Water
d. Constants: Brushing time, toothbrush, schedule
7.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of shampoo
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Shine rating (1–10)
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of shampoo, washing method, hair condition
8.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of soil
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Height and number of leaves
c. Control: Yard soil
d. Constants: Water, sunlight, pot size, plant type, time
9.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Battery brand
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Time until clock stops
c. Control: None
d. Constants: Same clock, same environment, same insertion method
Remember:
- Independent Variable (IV) = what the person changes on purpose.
- Dependent Variable (DV) = what they measure or observe as a result.
- Control = the “normal” or baseline group used for comparison (often the one with no treatment or standard treatment).
- Constants = things kept the same so the test is fair.
---
Question 5: Jessica testing kitchen cleaners
She tests Pine-Sol, just water, Clorox, Lysol — those are her different treatments.
→ She’s changing the cleaner type → that’s the IV.
→ She measures how clean the counters get → that’s the DV.
→ The control would be just water (since it’s not a real cleaner — it’s the baseline).
→ Constants: amount of juice spilled (5 mL), wiping method (one paper towel), counter surface, etc.
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of cleaner
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Cleanliness of counter
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of grape juice, wiping method, counter type
---
Question 6: Evan testing toothpaste
He brushes with different products every day and measures plaque left.
→ He’s changing the toothpaste/product → IV.
→ He measures plaque left → DV.
→ Control? Probably water — since it’s not a cleaning product, it’s the baseline.
→ Constants: brushing time, toothbrush type, when he brushes, diet, etc. (anything else kept the same)
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of toothpaste/product
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Amount of plaque left
c. Control: Water
d. Constants: Brushing time, toothbrush, schedule, etc.
---
Question 7: Angelique testing shampoos
She tries Pantene, Herbal Essences, L’Oreal, and just water. Rates hair shine from 1–10.
→ Changing shampoo type → IV.
→ Measuring shine rating → DV.
→ Control: Just water (no shampoo — baseline)
→ Constants: amount of shampoo, washing technique, hair length before, drying method, etc.
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of shampoo
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Shine rating (1–10)
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of shampoo, washing method, hair condition before, etc.
---
Question 8: Harrison testing soil types
He grows roses in potting soil, clay, sand, and yard soil. Measures height and leaf count after one week.
→ Changing soil type → IV.
→ Measuring height and number of leaves → DV.
→ Control? Probably yard soil — because that’s where the rose bush originally came from. It’s the “normal” condition.
→ Constants: amount of water, sunlight, pot size, rose bush type, time grown, etc.
✔ Answers:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of soil
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Height and number of leaves
c. Control: Yard soil
d. Constants: Water, sunlight, pot size, plant type, time
---
Question 9: Emily testing batteries
She puts Duracell, Energizer, Kroger brand, EverReady into a clock and sees which lasts longest.
→ Changing battery brand → IV.
→ Measuring how long the clock stops → DV.
→ Control? There isn’t really a “no battery” option here — but sometimes the most common or standard brand is used as control. Since none is specified, we might say there’s no true control, OR if forced to pick, maybe Duracell (if it’s considered standard). But technically, this experiment may not have a control — all are treatments.
Wait — let’s think again. In battery tests, often the “control” is the brand you normally use or expect to work. But since the problem doesn’t specify, and all are being tested equally, perhaps there is no control — or we can leave it blank? Actually, in many school contexts, if no untreated group exists, they still ask for control — so maybe none or not applicable.
But looking at pattern from other questions — in Q5,6,7, “just water” was control. Here, no “no battery” option. So likely, no control — but let’s check constants first.
Constants: same clock, same usage, same temperature, same starting time, etc.
Actually — rethinking: in some cases, the control is the “standard” or “expected best” — but since it’s not stated, perhaps the answer expects us to say there is no control — but that’s rare in these worksheets.
Alternatively — maybe EverReady? No, that’s arbitrary.
Wait — actually, in battery life experiments, sometimes the control is the battery that’s known to last long — but again, not specified.
Looking back at the pattern: in Q5,6,7, “just water” was control — meaning the thing with NO active ingredient. Here, all batteries have active ingredients. So perhaps this experiment has no control — but since the worksheet asks for it, maybe we should write “None” or leave blank? Hmm.
Actually — let me check typical answers for this kind of question. Often, if all groups are treated, and no untreated group, then control = none or not applicable. But since the worksheet includes “c. Control”, we must fill something.
Alternative idea: Maybe the control is the clock itself — but that doesn’t make sense.
No — better to say: There is no control group in this experiment — but since the format requires an answer, and based on similar problems, sometimes they accept “none” or skip.
Wait — let’s look at the original text: “She put each battery into a clock and recorded the time that the clock stopped.” All are tested under same conditions — so no control needed? But the question asks for it.
Perhaps in this context, since all are commercial batteries, and no “dead battery” or “no battery” is used, there is no control — but I think for school purposes, they might expect you to say “None” or leave it blank — but let’s see the pattern.
Actually — in Question 8, yard soil was control because it’s the original environment. Here, maybe Duracell is assumed control? Not really.
I think the safest answer is: Control: None (all are experimental groups) — but since the worksheet likely expects a filled answer, and given that in many such worksheets, if no untreated group, they still list one as control — perhaps we can say “Not applicable” — but let’s check online or standard practice.
Upon second thought — in battery tests like this, sometimes the control is the battery that is most commonly used or trusted — but since it’s not specified, I’ll go with:
→ Control: None — but since the format requires text, and to match others, perhaps leave as “N/A” — but let’s see.
Actually — looking at the user’s image, it’s multiple choice style with blanks — so we need to fill something.
Another approach: In some curricula, if all variables are manipulated, there is no control — but for consistency, let’s assume that the control is the battery that is expected to perform normally — but again, not specified.
Wait — perhaps I’m overcomplicating. Let’s look at the constants first.
Constants: same clock, same room temperature, same start time, same way of inserting battery, etc.
For control — since all are brands being tested, and no “baseline” like water or yard soil, I think the intended answer might be “None” — but let’s see what makes sense.
Actually — in Question 9, unlike others, there is no “untreated” group. So control is not present. But since the worksheet asks for it, perhaps write “Not applicable” or “None”.
But to match the style of previous answers, and since in Q5,6,7, “just water” was control, here there is no equivalent — so I’ll put:
c. Control: None
But let’s confirm with logic: Control is for comparison against the experimental groups. If all groups are experimental, no control. So yes.
✔ Final for Q9:
a. Independent Variable (IV): Battery brand
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Time until clock stops
c. Control: None (or Not Applicable)
d. Constants: Same clock, same environment, same insertion method, etc.
But to keep it simple for student, and since worksheet likely expects a word, I’ll say “None” for control.
---
Now, compiling all answers clearly:
---
Final Answer:
5.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of cleaner
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Cleanliness of counter
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of grape juice, wiping method, counter type
6.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of toothpaste/product
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Amount of plaque left
c. Control: Water
d. Constants: Brushing time, toothbrush, schedule
7.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of shampoo
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Shine rating (1–10)
c. Control: Just water
d. Constants: Amount of shampoo, washing method, hair condition
8.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Type of soil
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Height and number of leaves
c. Control: Yard soil
d. Constants: Water, sunlight, pot size, plant type, time
9.
a. Independent Variable (IV): Battery brand
b. Dependent Variable (DV): Time until clock stops
c. Control: None
d. Constants: Same clock, same environment, same insertion method
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of independent versus dependent variable worksheet.
