Variables
I can identify independent, dependent, and control variables and describe the differences between them.
Variables
I can identify independent, dependent, and control variables and describe the differences between them.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
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.
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Variables, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 science lesson on: Variables, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 science lessons from the Solutions unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
See additional materials.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Predicting
Observing
Controlling
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Is measured
Influences the outcome
Stays constant