Find out how to use a hypothesis to find the variables in a scientific investigation.

1. How to find the variables
using a hypothesis

2. Step 1: Look for the variable that
YOU CHOOSE to control.
Example:
If I drink Mountain Dew before bed, then
I will not sleep very much.

3. Example:
If I drink Mountain Dew before bed, then
I will not sleep very much.
You are in control choosing to drink Mountain
Dew, so therefore it is the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
(the variable chosen by you/controlled by you).

4. Step 2: Look for the variable that will
change and will be your RESULT.
Example:
If I drink Mountain Dew before bed, then
I will not sleep very much.

5. Example:
If I drink Mountain Dew before bed, then
I will not sleep very much.
The amount of sleep you will get will depend on
what you drink before bed, so therefore it is the
DEPENDENT VARIABLE (the results you are looking
for).

6. Example:
If I drink Mountain Dew before bed, then
I will not sleep very much.
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: drinking Mountain Dew
DEPENDENT VARIABLE: amount of sleep

7. Yay!
You did it!
Now show off your skills with some
practice rounds…

8. If I leave all the lights on all day,
then my electric bill will be expensive.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

9. If I brush my cat more, then there will be
less fur on my furniture
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________

10. Now read the following experiment and identify the independent
and dependent variables
Elizabeth wanted to test if temperature affects how
fast milk goes bad and curdles. She left milk in a room
temperature closet, a fridge, and a oven that was
turned on low heat. She then measured how rotten the
milk was after 10 days.
IV: ______________________
DV: ______________________