Variables
I can identify independent, dependent, and control variables and describe the differences between them.
- Year 7
Variables
I can identify independent, dependent, and control variables and describe the differences between them.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Aspects of an investigation that can be changed and measured are known as variables
- The independent variable is what is changed in an investigation
- The dependent variable is what is observed / measured in an investigation
- Variables that are kept the same each time are called control variables
- In a fair test, only the variable being tested is changed so that it is clear that it made a difference to the results
Keywords
Variable - A variable is anything that can change or be changed in an investigation.
Independent variable - The independent variable is the variable that is changed during an investigation.
Dependent variable - The dependent variable is the variable that is measured or observed during an investigation; it changes as a result of varying the independent variable.
Control variable - A control variable is a variable that is kept the same or constant to ensure a fair test.
Fair test - When only one variable is changed to affect the dependent variable; all other variables are controlled
Common misconception
Pupils tend to confuse independent and dependent variables.
Think of an experiment as "cause and effect." The independent variable is what you change – the cause. The dependent variable is what you measure – the effect of that change.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does 'to measure' mean in a science experiment?
Q2.True or False: Changing many things you're testing at once during your experiment makes a good experiment.
Q3.Which of the following are things you can use to observe what happens in an experiment?
Q4.Match each action with its correct experimental term.
Q5.When we talk about a 'fair test' in science, what do we mean?
Q6.When conducting an experiment, the step that involves making an educated guess about the outcome is called a .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which definition best fits a 'control variable'?
Q2.What type of variable responds to the changes made?
Q3.Link the term to its role in an experiment.
