Dependent and Independent Variables Worksheet - NAME: DATE: V ... - Free Printable

Let's go through each experiment and identify the Independent Variable (IV), Dependent Variable (DV), Control, and Constants where applicable.

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1. Katiana’s Bean Experiment

Scenario: Katiana tested different liquids (Coca-Cola, lemonade, water) to see which helped beans grow best. She measured height after one week.

- a. Independent Variable (IV):
Type of liquid used to water the beans (Coca-Cola, lemonade, water)

- b. Dependent Variable (DV):
Height of the bean plants (how much they grew)

- c. Control:
The plant watered with just water — this is the standard for comparison.

> *Note:* Constants (not asked here, but implied): Same type of beans, same amount of liquid, same pot size, same light, same temperature, etc.

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2. Trevor’s Marigold Fertilizer Experiment

Scenario: Trevor tested Miracle Grow, Scotts fertilizer, and no fertilizer on marigolds.

- a. Independent Variable (IV):
Type of fertilizer used (Miracle Grow, Scotts, none)

- b. Dependent Variable (DV):
Growth of the marigolds (e.g., height or health)

- c. Control:
The plant with no fertilizer — this shows natural growth without added fertilizer.

> *Constants:* Same soil, same sunlight, same watering schedule, same pot size, etc.

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3. Taylor’s Apple and Grades Experiment

Scenario: Taylor ate increasing numbers of apples over four days and recorded her science grades.

- a. Independent Variable (IV):
Number of apples eaten per day (0, 1, 2, 3)

- b. Dependent Variable (DV):
Science grades (the outcome being measured)

- c. Control:
Day 1 (no apples eaten) — this serves as a baseline to compare against other days.

> *Note:* This is a bit tricky because it's not a controlled lab setting. The control is the first day when no apples were consumed.

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4. CJ’s Music and Basketball Experiment

Scenario: CJ tested music types (none, rap, classical) to see if they affected baskets made.

- a. Independent Variable (IV):
Type of music played (no music, rap, classical)

- b. Dependent Variable (DV):
Number of baskets made in 10 minutes

- c. Control:
Day 1 (no music played) — this is the baseline condition.

> *Constants:* Same players, same basketball, same time period (10 minutes), same court conditions, etc.

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5. Michael’s Kitchen Cleaner Experiment

Scenario: Michael tested Lysol, Clorox, Pinesol, and water to clean grape juice from counters.

- a. Independent Variable (IV):
Type of cleaner used (Lysol, Clorox, Pinesol, water)

- b. Dependent Variable (DV):
Effectiveness of cleaning (e.g., how much grape juice was removed, cleanliness level)

- c. Control:
Water only — this is the baseline to compare against chemical cleaners.

- d. Constants:
- Amount of grape juice (5 mL)
- Type of surface (counter)
- Method of application (sprayed and wiped)
- Number of paper towels used (one)
- Wiping technique

> These constants ensure that only the type of cleaner affects the result.

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✔ Final Answers:

#### 1.
a. IV: Type of liquid (Coca-Cola, lemonade, water)
b. DV: Height of bean plants
c. Control: Water

#### 2.
a. IV: Type of fertilizer (Miracle Grow, Scotts, none)
b. DV: Growth of marigolds
c. Control: No fertilizer

#### 3.
a. IV: Number of apples eaten
b. DV: Science grades
c. Control: Day 1 (no apples)

#### 4.
a. IV: Type of music (no music, rap, classical)
b. DV: Number of baskets made
c. Control: No music (Day 1)

#### 5.
a. IV: Type of cleaner (Lysol, Clorox, Pinesol, water)
b. DV: Cleanliness of counter / effectiveness of cleaning
c. Control: Water
d. Constants: 5 mL grape juice, same surface, same wiping method, one paper towel

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🔍 Summary:

- Independent Variable (IV): What you change.
- Dependent Variable (DV): What you measure.
- Control: The group/condition with no experimental treatment (baseline).
- Constants: Everything kept the same so only the IV affects the DV.

This worksheet helps students understand scientific experimentation and variable identification!