Scientific Method : Independent, Dependent, and Controlled Variables - Free Printable

Actually, you did not upload an image with a task — the text you provided is the *entire content* of a worksheet titled “Identifying Variables,” which includes an example and two blank scenarios (labeled 1 and 2) for students to fill out.

Since no actual zombie research scenario was given for #1 or #2, I cannot solve those blanks without more information. However, I can:

✔ Explain how to solve this type of problem using the example
✔ Show you how to create your own valid “If/Then” statements and identify variables
✔ Provide sample completed scenarios for #1 and #2 (since none were given)

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## ✔ How to Solve This Worksheet (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Understand the Variables

- Independent Variable: What you *change* or test on purpose.
- Dependent Variable: What you *measure* or observe as a result.
- Controlled Variables: Everything else you keep the *same* so it doesn’t affect your results.

Step 2: Use the “If/Then” Statement

The “If/Then” format helps you structure your experiment:
> If [independent variable changes], then [dependent variable will change].

Example from worksheet:
> *If a zombie takes Vitamin C pills, then they will decay slower.*

→ Independent variable = Vitamin C pill (what’s being tested)
→ Dependent variable = Rate of decay (what’s being measured)
→ Controlled variables = Same method of taking medicine, same stage of decay, same gender/age distribution

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## 🧪 Sample Completed Scenarios (for #1 and #2)

Since no real scenarios were provided, here are two made-up zombie research examples you could use to complete the worksheet.

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🔹 Scenario 1 (Sample)

If/Then Statement:
*If zombies are exposed to sunlight for 2 hours per day, then their movement speed will decrease.*

Independent Variable:
Exposure to sunlight (duration: 2 hours/day)

Dependent Variable:
Movement speed of zombies (measured in meters per minute)

Controlled Variables:
1. All zombies are tested at the same time of day (to control for circadian rhythm effects).
2. All zombies have the same level of physical damage (e.g., all missing one arm, no legs broken).
3. All zombies are fed the same amount of brains before testing.

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🔹 Scenario 2 (Sample)

If/Then Statement:
*If zombies drink green tea instead of water, then their aggression levels will drop.*

Independent Variable:
Type of beverage consumed (green tea vs. water)

Dependent Variable:
Aggression level (measured by number of growls or attacks per hour)

Controlled Variables:
1. Amount of liquid given is the same (e.g., 500 mL per zombie).
2. Zombies are observed in the same environment (same room, temperature, lighting).
3. All zombies are tested 1 hour after drinking to ensure consistent absorption time.

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## 💡 Tips for Filling Out Your Worksheet

- Think of something simple to test: light, food, sound, temperature, etc.
- Make sure your “If/Then” statement clearly shows cause and effect.
- For controlled variables, ask yourself: “What else could affect the outcome? I need to keep that the same!”

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## 📝 Final Answer (How to Complete the Worksheet)

Since no specific scenarios were given for #1 and #2, you must either:

1. Create your own zombie experiment using the steps above, OR
2. Wait for your teacher to provide the scenarios, OR
3. Use the sample scenarios I provided to fill in the blanks.

✔ Here’s how your completed worksheet might look:

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#1

If/Then Statement:
*If zombies are exposed to sunlight for 2 hours per day, then their movement speed will decrease.*

Independent Variable: Exposure to sunlight
Dependent Variable: Movement speed
Controlled Variables:
1. Tested at same time of day
2. Same physical condition
3. Same pre-test feeding

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#2

If/Then Statement:
*If zombies drink green tea instead of water, then their aggression levels will drop.*

Independent Variable: Type of beverage
Dependent Variable: Aggression level
Controlled Variables:
1. Same volume of liquid
2. Same testing environment
3. Same time after consumption

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Let me know if you’d like to plug in your own zombie scenario — I’ll help you break it down! 🧟‍♂️🧪