This is a PowerPoint Prototype of a Unit on Variables. It was designed for 5th grade students to learn about the different variables used in science experiments. The work was done as part of my coursework as I pursue a doctorate in Educational Technology.

1. Understanding Variables
in a Science Experiment
Mary K. O’Grady-Jones Click this
button to begin.

2. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 2 of 118
Stop
Introduction
How to use these buttons
This button will move you forward.
This button will move you back.
This button will take you to the title screen
Stop
This button will allow you to exit the presentation
This button will bring you back
to this page if you need help
with navigation
If you are done with
navigation help, this
button can take you back
to where you were.

3. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 3 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Welcome!
Today you will be learning about variables and why they are important to a
science experiment. In the past, you have modeled experiments that were already
designed for you so you did not have to worry about variables. Those decisions
were already made for you.
As a 5th grader, you will get to design some of your own experiments this year. As
a scientist, you will need to know more than just questions and hypothesis. You
will need to know that there are three types of variables. You will also need to
know where and when to use each one in a science experiment.
Once you have mastered all these variables, you will learn how they impact each
other. You will look at patterns and trends that will show up in the results of an
experiment.

4. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 4 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Learning Goals
When you finish this module, you will be able to:
Define
• Variable,
• Manipulated variable
• Independent variable
• Control variable
• Responding variable
• Dependent variable
Use the terms manipulated and independent interchangeably
Use the terms responding and dependent interchangeably
Identify the relationships, patterns and trends that emerge in a scientific investigation between
variables
Identify the three types of variables in a given scenario

5. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 5 of 118
Stop
Introduction
How to use the Navigation
This button will move you forward.
Try it!

6. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 6 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Good Job!
How to use the Navigation
Ok! Now let’s go back!
Try it!

7. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 7 of 118
Stop
Introduction
How to use these buttons
This button will move you forward.
This button will move you back.
This button will take you to the title screen
Stop
This button will allow you to exit the presentation
This button will bring you back
to this page if you need help
with navigation
.

8. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 8 of 118
Stop
Introduction
What to expect:
The module is set up to provide information on each of the topics listed to the
right. In each section you will have the opportunity to check your knowledge. On
many screens you will see a box where you may type your answer. Click inside
the box to type.
The introduction button to the right will take you back to the welcome page. The
other buttons will take you to the beginning of each section if you want to go back
to review. When a section is complete, you will see a appear on that
section.
Throughout the unit, clues and key words are typed in red.
This unit will take about 2o minutes to complete.

9. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 9 of 118
Practice pages will look like this. There will be either true or false
questions or multiple choice questions.
Response boxes look like this.
To choose an answer click on the box.
Practice pages do not have the navigation bar at the bottom of the page. You
must answer the question- don’t worry it is just practice. You will get
feedback and an opportunity to practice again.
After you complete the unit, you will have an opportunity to test your new
knowledge.
Practice Pages
Answer

10. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 10 of 118
Stop
Introduction
To be successful in this unit, you need to know
the following things about a science experiment.
1. Scientists follow the Scientific Method.
2. A science experiment begins with a question the scientist wants to answer.
3. After some research, the scientist forms a hypothesis- what they think will
happen in their experiment.
4. Scientists then follow procedures and collect data.
So! Let’s begin!

11. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 11 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Question
• What do you, the scientist, want to know?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• Make an educated guess about what might happen.
Procedures
• Plan the steps of the experiment.
Collect Data
• What did you measure and observe?
Conclusions
• Was your hypothesis correct?
Let’s start by reviewing the
Scientific Method. From the work
we have already done this year,
you should be familiar with
• questions
• research
• Hypothesis
We have also done experiments
where we have followed
procedures and collected data.
So! What are variables
and where do these
variables fit in the
scientific method?
Scientific Method

12. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 12 of 118
Stop
What is a Variable?
In this section you will learn the definition of the
word variable.

13. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 13 of 118
Stop
IntroductionA variable is any factor
that can be:
Changed
Controlled
or
Measured
in an experiment.
Question
• What happens when ?
Research
• Gather more information about the topic.
Hypothesis
Procedures •
Collect Data
•
Conclusions •
Scientific Method

14. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 14 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Can you think of a mnemonic phrase to help you remember
Changed, Controlled, or Measured?
Got It!
I need a
little help.

15. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 15 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Great! What is your mnemonic phrase?
Click inside the box to type your phrase.
Are you ready to test your knowledge or do you want to see another example of a
mnemonic phrase?

16. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 16 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Ok, how about this?
Crazy
Cars
Move
If you have thought of one of your own, use the back button to enter your idea. If
you are ready to move on use the forward button.

17. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 17 of 118
True or False
A variable is defined as a factor that can be changed, controlled or measured in a
science experiment.
Let’s Practice
True False

18. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 18 of 118
Oops!
A variable is a factor
that can be changed,
controlled or
measured.
To try again, click the
back button.

19. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 19 of 118
Good Job!
A variable is a factor
that can be changed,
controlled or
measured in a
science experiment.

20. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 20 of 118
Stop
Manipulated/
Independent Variable
Section I
In this section you will define the terms
manipulated and independent variable.

21. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 21 of 118
Stop
Introduction
The manipulated/
independent variable is the
one condition the scientist
changes during each trial in
an experiment.
If we look at the example to
the right we notice that our
manipulated /independent
variable shows up in our
question and our hypothesis.
Question
• Does listening to different kinds of music while
studying affect test scores?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• Listening to music without lyrics while studying
will improve test scores among 5th grade students.
Procedures
•
Collect Data
•
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

22. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 22 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Manipulated/ Independent Variable
It might help to understand what it means to manipulate something.
Manipulate means to manage or use. In the case of the music
experiment, we would manage or use the different types of music to see if they
had an effect on test scores.
So how does independent come in?
Independent means not needing or requiring any thing else. So the type
of music just is. No other factors in the experiment can change the music- the
scientist gets to do that.

23. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 23 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Q: What is the thing we
are testing? What do we
need to change to test
our hypothesis?
A: Different kinds of
music. The scientist will
change the type of music
for each trial.
Question
• Does listening to different kinds of music while
studying affect test scores?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• Listening to music without lyrics while studying
will improve test scores among 5th grade students.
Procedures
•
Collect Data
•
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

24. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 24 of 118
Stop
Introduction
So how do manipulated and independent fit together?
The manipulated variable is independent of all other
variables. In our example of music and test scores, the
music is independent, because the music will not be
changed by the test scores or the student. It is
manipulated by the scientist.

25. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 25 of 118
Stop
Introduction
What does the word manipulate mean?
What does the word independent mean?
How do manipulated and independent relate to each other in a science
experiment?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.
You can go back to review or
you can move forward.

26. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 26 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
There can be many manipulated/ independent variables in a science experiment.

27. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 27 of 118
Oops!
There can only be one
manipulated /
independent variable
in a science
experiment.
Go back and try again,
click the back button.

28. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 28 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know,
there can be only
one manipulated /
independent variable
in a science
experiment.

29. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 29 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
The manipulated / independent variable is the one that the scientist chooses to
change in each trial of an experiment.
True False

30. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 30 of 118
Oops!
The manipulated /
independent variable
is the one that the
scientist chooses to
change in each trial of
an experiment.
Go back and try again,
Click the back button.

31. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 31 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, The
manipulated /
independent variable
is the one that the
scientist chooses to
change in each trial
of an experiment.

32. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 32 of 118
Stop
Manipulated/
Independent Variable
Section II
In this section, you will learn how to identify the
manipulated/ independent variable in a scenario.

33. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 33 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Manipulated/
Independent Variables
A group of 5th
grade students wants to
know how different
surfaces affect the speed of
a rolling ball. They will
change the type of
surface. For example, they
might use sand, gravel,
grass, and concrete as the
surfaces. The surfaces are
independent of each other.
Question
• Do different surfaces affect the speed of a rolling ball?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• A ball will roll a longer distance on a smooth surface like cement
because there is less friction than on sand, gravel and grass.
Procedures
•
Collect Data
•
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

34. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 34 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Wait!!! Gravel, sand, concrete and grass are 4 things!!!
We are just supposed to change one thing!!!!
1 Category– 4 surfaces
In this case the scientist can test which
surface will have the most friction and
which one will have the least.
Test Surfaces
Gravel Sand Concrete Grass
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3

35. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 35 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Manipulated/ Independent
Variables
A group of students wants to
know how the amount of
sunlight affects plant growth.
They set up an experiment
where they put 3 plants in
direct sunlight, 3 plants in
shade and 3 plants in a dark
room. They are using
different amounts of sunlight
as their manipulated/
independent variable.
Question
• How does amount of sunlight affect plant growth?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• I predict that the plants that get the most sunlight
will grow taller.
Procedures
•
Collect Data
•
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

36. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 36 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Manipulated/ Independent
Variables
A group of students are curious
to know how heat affects
dissolve rate of Alka-Seltzer.
They decide to change the
temperature of the water- hot,
room temperature, and cold.
What is the manipulated/
independent variable in this
scenario?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.
Image by Madison C.

37. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 37 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Do you remember how many manipulated/ independent variables a science
experiment should have?
Are you ready to practice choosing the manipulated/ independent variable in a
scenario? Click the forward button to practice, or the back button to review.
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

38. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 38 of 118
Choose the manipulated/ independent variable in the following scenario.
A group of students has the hypothesis that the more concentrated a salt
solution, the faster it will evaporate.
What is their manipulated/ independent variable?
Click on the correct box.
Let’s Practice!
Amount of
water
Amount of salt
Placement of
the evaporation
dish
Size of the
evaporation
dish

39. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 39 of 118
Oops!
Remember, the
students want to know
how salt concentration
will affect evaporation.
To try again, click the
back button.

40. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 40 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know can
identify the
manipulated/
independent in a
science experiment.

41. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 41 of 118
Stop
Manipulated /
Independent Variable
Section III
In this section, you will learn that the words
manipulated and independent can be used
interchangeably.

42. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 42 of 118
Stop
Introduction
MIX
As you may have guessed,
Manipulated and Independent
mean the same thing. They are
both used to describe the variable
that the scientist changes to see
how it impacts other factors.
The mnemonic MIX can help you
to remember that Manipulated
and Independent mean the same
thing.
Manipulated,
Independent, (graphed on the)
X-axis.
X-axis
Y-axis

43. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 43 of 118
Stop
Introduction
What does the mnemonic MIX help you to remember?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

44. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 44 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
A scientist wants to know how different colors absorb heat from sunlight.
The scientist chooses 5 different colored cups as his manipulated variable.
The 5 different colored cups can also be called the independent variable.
True False

45. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 45 of 118
Oops!
Remember the
mnemonic MIX?
Manipulated
Independent
X-axis
To try again, click the
back button.

46. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 46 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, the
terms manipulated
and independent
mean the same thing
in a science
experiment and you
can use the
mnemonic MIX to
help you remember!

47. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 47 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
A scientist designs an experiment to see if ladybugs are attracted to certain
colors. The different colors the scientist chooses will be the independent
variable.
The colors can also be called the responding variable.
True False

48. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 48 of 118
Oops!
Remember the
mnemonic MIX?
Manipulated
Independent
X-axis
To try again, click the
back button.

49. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 49 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, the
terms independent
and manipulated
mean the same thing
in a science
experiment and you
can use the
mnemonic MIX to
help you remember!

50. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 50 of 118
Stop
Control Variables
Section I
In this section, you will learn the definition of
control variable.

51. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 51 of 118
Stop
IntroductionControl Variables
Control variables are the
factors that the scientist
holds constant or controls
during an experiment.
The scientist will set this up
as part of the procedures.
Holding these variables
constant mean they don’t
change from trial to trial.
They have to be kept the
same.
Question
• Does listening to different kinds of music while
studying affect test scores?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• Listening to music without lyrics while studying
will improve test scores among 5th grade students.
Procedures
• Keep time, subject, and place of studying and the
test the same for each trial.
Collect Data
•
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

52. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 52 of 118
Stop
Introduction
What do the terms constant and control mean?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

53. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 53 of 118
Let’s Practice
Choose the best answer.
Control variables are the ones that a scientist _______ during an experiment.
changes measures holds constant

54. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 54 of 118
Oops!
Remember that
holding something
constant or
controlling it means
keeping it the same.
To try again, click the
back button.

55. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 55 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, that
holding something
constant or
controlling it means
keeping it the same.

56. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 56 of 118
Stop
Control Variables
Part II
In this section you will learn how to choose the
control variable in a scenario.
Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables

57. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 57 of 118
Stop
IntroductionControl Variables
If everything changes, what
caused the change?
In the example to the right, if
both time and type of music
were changed, the scientist
would not know which one
affected the test scores.
More time studying might
have an effect on test scores
and music might have an
effect on test scores.
The scientist would not
know which one.
Question
• Does listening to different kinds of music while
studying affect test scores?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• Listening to music without lyrics while studying
will improve test scores among 5th grade students.
Procedures
• Keep time, subject, and place of studying and the
test the same for each trial.
Collect Data
•
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

58. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 58 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Control
Variables
A group of 5th grade
students wants to know
how surface friction
affects the speed of a
rolling ball. To be sure
that surface is the only
variable that changes,
they need to keep size of
the ball and force on the
ball the same.
Can you think of
anything else that
should be controlled?
Question
• Does surface friction affect the distance a ball will
roll?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• The smoother the surface, the farther the ball will
roll.
Procedures
• Keep size of ball and the force that pushes the ball
the same for each trial.
Collect Data
•
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

59. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 59 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Control Variable
A group of students wants to know how the amount of sunlight affects
plant growth. To be sure that sunlight is the only variable that changes,
they needs to keep the type of plant, type of soil, size of container, and
amount of water the same.
Notice that there is
more than one control
variable.
•Type of plant
•Type of soil
•Size of Container
•Amount of water

60. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 60 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Control Variable
A group of students are curious know how heat affects the dissolve rate of Alka-
Seltzer.
To be sure that heat is
the only variable that
changes, they needs to
keep the
• amount of water,
• size of Alka-Seltzer
• tablet and action
(stirring or no
stirring)
the same.

61. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 61 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Why should there be control variables in a science
experiment?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

62. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 62 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
A group of students has the hypothesis that the more concentrated a salt
solution, the faster it will evaporate.
They should control the amount of water used, the type of evaporation dish,
and the placement of the evaporation dish.
True False

63. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 63 of 118
Oops!
Remember, they are interested
in the salt concentration, they
have to keep amount of water,
type of evaporation dish and the
placement of the evaporation
dish the same so that salt
concentration is the only thing
that changes.
To try again click the back
button.

64. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 64 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, how to
identify control variables in a
scenario!

65. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 65 of 118
Stop
Responding/
Dependent Variable
Section I
In this section, you will learn the definition of
responding/ dependent variable.

66. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 66 of 118
Stop
IntroductionResponding / Dependent
Variable
The variable that is
measured or observed as a
result of an experiment is
the responding/ dependent
variable.
This is the data the scientist
collects or the observations a
scientist records.
In the scenario to the right,
what is getting measured?
Test scores
Question
• Does listening to different kinds of music while
studying affect test scores?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• Listening to music without lyrics while studying
will improve test scores among 5th grade students.
Procedures
• Keep time, subject, and place of studying and the
test the same for each trial.
Collect Data
• Collect test scores from the 5th grade students.
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

67. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 67 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Responding / Dependent Variable
It might help to think about what it means to respond to something.
Respond means to react . In the case of the music experiment, the
students would be reacting to different types of music, that is the music would
affect their test scores.
So how does dependent come in?
Dependent means determined or conditioned by another. So the type of
music determined the test score.

68. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 68 of 118
Stop
Introduction
What does the word responding mean?
What does the word dependent mean?
How do these terms relate to a science experiment?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

69. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 69 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
A responding/ dependent variable is the variable that is measured or
observed as a result of an experiment.
True False

70. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 70 of 118
Oops!
The responding/ dependent
variable is measured or
observed as a result of an
experiment.
To try again? Click the back
button.

71. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 71 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, the
responding/
dependent variable
is measured or
observed as a result
of an experiment.

72. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 72 of 118
Stop
Responding/
Dependent Variable
Section II
In this section you will learn how to choose the
responding/ dependent variable in a scenario.

73. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 73 of 118
Stop
IntroductionResponding / Dependent
Variable
Remember, the
manipulated/ independent
variable comes at the
beginning of the experiment
and the responding/
dependent variable comes at
the end.
The dependent variable is
responding to the
manipulated variable.
Question
• Does listening to different kinds of music while
studying affect test scores?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• Listening to music without lyrics while studying
will improve test scores among 5th grade students.
Procedures
• Keep time, subject, and place of studying and the
test the same for each trial.
Collect Data
• Collect test scores from the 5th grade students.
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method

74. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 74 of 118
Stop
IntroductionResponding / Dependent
Variable
Read the science experiment
to the right.
What gets measured?
Plant growth.
Question
• Does amount of sunlight a plant gets affect plant
growth?
Research
• Gather helpful information on the topic.
Hypothesis
• I predict, that the more sunlight a plant gets, the
more it will grow.
Procedures
• Keep type of plant, size of container and amount of
water the same.
Collect Data
• Measure plant growth every two days.
Conclusions
•
Scientific Method
http://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Growth-Rate-of-Plants

75. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 75 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Responding/ Dependent Variable
A group of 5th grade students wants to know how surface texture affects the
speed of a rolling ball. While keeping everything else the same (the control
variables), They will change one thing (surface texture). What gets measured?
The distance
the ball travels
over each
surface.

76. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 76 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Responding/ Dependent Variable
A group of students are curious to know how heat affects dissolve rate of Alka-
Seltzer. While keeping everything else the same (the control variables), they will
change one thing (temperature). What gets measured?
The time it takes the Alka-
Seltzer tablets to
dissolves.

77. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 77 of 118
Stop
Introduction
What types of things get measured at the end of a science experiment.
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

78. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 78 of 118
Choose the best answer.
A group of students has the hypothesis that the more concentrated a salt
solution, the faster it will evaporate. They set up 4 dishes with different water-
to-salt solutions. They then set a timer to see how long each solution takes to
evaporate.
What is their responding/ dependent variable?
Let’s Practice!
amount of
water
amount of salt
time it takes
each dish to
evaporate
placement of
the evaporation
dish

79. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 79 of 118
Oops!
While amount of water and salt
will be measured, they are
measured as a part of the
procedures- what gets measured as
a result of the experiment?
To try again, click the back button.

80. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 80 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, how
to identify the
responding/
dependent variable
in a science
experiment scenario!

81. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 81 of 118
Stop
Responding /
Dependent Variable
Section III
In this section you will learn to use the terms
responding and dependent interchangeably.

82. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 82 of 118
Stop
Introduction
DRY
As you may have guessed,
Dependent and Responding
mean the same thing. They are
both used to describe the
variable that the scientist
measures or observes at the end
of an experiment.
The mnemonic DRY can help
you to remember that
Dependent and Responding
mean the same thing, and they
are graphed on the Y-axis!
Dependent,
Responding, (graphed on the)
Y-axis.
X-axis
Y-axis

83. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 83 of 118
Stop
Introduction
What does the mnemonic DRY help you to remember?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

84. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 84 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
A scientist wants to know how different colors absorb heat from sunlight.
The scientist places different colored cups filled with water, and places them
in the sunlight. For the dependent variable, the scientist measures
temperature change in each cup over a period of time.
The change in temperature can also be called the manipulated variable.
True False

85. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 85 of 118
Oops!
Remember the
mnemonic phrase
DRY
Dependent
Responding
Y-axis
To try again, click the
back button.

86. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 86 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, that
the dependent and
responding variables
are the same and
you can use the
mnemonic DRY to
help you remember!

87. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 87 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
A scientist designs an experiment to see if ladybugs are attracted to certain
colors. The ladybugs are placed in a container and then the scientist counts
the number of ladybugs that move to each color as the responding variable.
The counting of ladybugs can also be called the dependent variable.

88. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 88 of 118
Oops!
Remember the
mnemonic phrase
DRY
Dependent
Responding
Y-axis
To try again, click the
back button.

89. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 89 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, that
the dependent and
responding variables
are the same and
you can use the
mnemonic DRY to
help you remember!

90. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 90 of 118
Stop
Relationships Among
Variables
In this section, you will learn to interpret cause
and effect relationships among data, and to use
trends to make predictions.

91. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 91 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Cause and Effect Relationships Among Variables
There is a cause and effect relationship between variables. A change in the
manipulated/independent variable will cause a change in the
responding/dependent variable.
For Example:
Changing height of a ramp will
cause a K'nex car to go faster or
slower.

92. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 92 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Giving plants more fertilizer might cause what effect?
Remember, you
can click inside
the box to type
your answer.

93. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 93 of 118
Let’s Practice
True or False
According to the graphs, the Catawba River has less chemical pollutants and more
organisms than Young’s Creek. This means that chemical pollution in Young’s Creek may
have caused a reduction of organisms in that body of water.
True False

94. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 94 of 118
Oops!
In this case, it is likely
that pollution caused a
reduction in living
organisms in the
water.
To try again click the
back button.

95. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 95 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, how
to identify cause and
effect relationships
in a science
experiment!

96. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 96 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Patterns of Change
Patterns of change (trends) can be used to make predictions.
For Example: A decrease in seagrass over many years will likely lead to more
coastal erosion
http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2008/1206/html/figs/fig4_1.html

97. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 97 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Patterns of Change
Can you predict what will happen if you try to ride a bicycle across a different
surfaces.

98. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 98 of 118
As a K’nex carries an increased load, it will need an increase in the amount of
force needed to make the car move. Looking at the graph what can you
predict about the number of washers needed to move a car that is carrying 3
blocks?
It will need _____ washers.
Let’s Practice
6 32
30

99. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 99 of 118
Oops!
Look at the numbers,
they are increasing by
six each time.
To try again, click the
back button.

100. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 100 of 118
Good Job!
Now you know, how
to use trends in data
to help you make
predictions.

101. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 101 of 118
Stop
Practice
This section will let you practice identifying
all 3 types of variables in a scenario.

102. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 102 of 118
In order to discover which type of rock, igneous, sedimentary, or
metamorphic is most likely to be damaged by freezing, a group of students
wants to design an experiment. They choose three similar size rocks, one
from each group. They place each rock in a 12 ounce container filled with
water. The containers were put in the freezer for 24 hours. The containers
are removed from the freezer. Observations were made throughout the
thawing process. In the end cracks in the rocks are counted and measured.
What is the manipulated variable?
Let’s Practice!
time
cracks in
the rocks
types of
rocks
water

103. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 103 of 118
Oops!
What is the one thing
the scientist changed?
To try again, click the
back button.

104. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 104 of 118
Good Job!
The different types
of rock represent the
manipulated variable
in this experiment.

105. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 105 of 118
In order to discover which type of rock, igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic
is most likely to be damaged by freezing, a group of students wants to design an
experiment. They choose three similar size rocks, one from each group. They
place each rock in a 12 ounce container filled with water. The containers are put
in the freezer for 24 hours. The containers are removed from the
freezer. Observations were made throughout the thawing process. In the end
cracks in the rocks are counted and measured.
What are the controlled variables (there are two correct answers-choose one)?
Let’s Practice!
time
cracks in
the rocks
types of
rocks
water

106. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 106 of 118
Oops!
Remember the control
variable is kept the same
– what are two things
that were kept the same?
To try again, click the
back button.

107. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 107 of 118
Good Job!
The amount of time
and water were kept
the same for each
type of rock!

108. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 108 of 118
In order to discover which type of rock, igneous, sedimentary, or
metamorphic is most likely to be damaged by freezing, a group of students
wants to design an experiment. They choose three similar size rock, one
from each group. They place each rock in a 12 oz container filled with water.
The containers are put in the freezer for 24 hours. The containers are
removed from the freezer. Observations were made throughout the thawing
process. In the end cracks in the rocks are counted and measured.
What is the responding variable?
Let’s Practice!
time
cracks in
the rocks
types of
rocks
water

109. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 109 of 118
Oops!
Remember the
responding variable is
measured at the end of
the experiment? What
is measured or
observed in this
scenario?
To try again, click the
back button.

110. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 110 of 118
Good Job!
Yes! They counted
and measured the
cracks in each rock!

111. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 111 of 118
5th grade students are planning their end of the year party which will take
place in the school’s garden area. It will be hot in June, so they want to know
if different color cups will keep their drinks cooler. They design an
experiment with 4 colors of solo cups. The cups are filled with 6 ounces of
water and placed in the sunlight in the garden. The students measure the
temperature in each cup in 20 minute intervals for 2 hours.
What is the independent variable?
Let’s Practice!
time
color of the
cups
temperature water

112. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 112 of 118
Oops!
Remember that the
independent variable
the one thing the
scientist changes.
What are the scientists
testing?
To try again, click the
back button.

113. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 113 of 118
Good Job!
Yes! The color cups
are being tested to
see what happens!

114. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 114 of 118
5th grade students are planning their end of the year party which will take
place in the school’s garden area. It will be hot in June, so they want to know
if different color cups will keep their drinks cooler. They design an
experiment with 4 colors of solo cups. The cups are filled with 6 ounces of
water and placed in the sunlight in the garden. The students measure the
temperature in each cup in 20 minute intervals for 2 hours.
What are the control variables? (there are two again this time-choose 1)
Let’s Practice!
time
color of the
cups
temperature water

115. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 115 of 118
Oops!
Look again, the
control has to stay the
same. What is not
changing?
To try again, click the
back button.

116. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 116 of 118
Good Job!
Yes! The amount of
water and the time
sitting in the sun
need to remain the
same in order to be
sure that cup color is
the only thing that
the scientist
changes!

117. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 117 of 118
5th grade students are planning their end of the year party which will take
place in the school’s garden area. It will be hot in June, so they want to know
if different color cups will keep their drinks cooler. They design an
experiment with 4 colors of solo cups. The cups are filled with 6 ounces of
water and placed in the sunlight in the garden. The students measure the
temperature in each cup in 20 minute intervals for 2 hours.
What is the dependent variable?
Let’s Practice!
time
color of the
cups
temperature water

118. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 118 of 118
Oops!
While water and time
get measured as part
of the procedures,
what gets measured as
a result of the
experiment?
To try again? Click the
back button.

119. Introduction
Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 119 of 118
Good Job!
Yes, temperature of
the water in the cups
will be what the
scientists measure at
the end of the
experiment!

120. Variables
Manipulated/
Independent
Control
Responding/
Dependent
Relationships
Among Variables
Practice
Slide 120 of 118
Stop
Introduction
Congratulations! You have reached the end of
this unit. I hope you enjoyed it and learned a lot.
Please use this link to take the test on variables.
Variables Test