Variables in Science
Independent Variable
(possible cause)
Dependent Variable
(possible effect)
Explanation
(reason for relationship)
1.) As a student increases
the hours spent
studying,
2.) As air temperatures
decrease in fall,
the student gains knowledge
and understanding on the
concept being studied
the water in the shallow ponds
may freeze
Because studying prepares
students for assignments
3.) As you increase the
shaking of a warm soft
drink can,
the pop inside may create more
carbon dioxide (fizz) = air
bubbles which may cause an
explosion when opened.
the toothpaste comes out
4.) As you increase the
pressure on a tube of
toothpaste,
Because the decrease of air
temperature causes the pond
temperate to decrease as well
and freeze.
Because shaking the can creates
carbon dioxide.
Because you push all air which
pushes the toothpaste out of
the tube.
5. (a) Explain what ”dependent” means.
Dependent means the variable that change, depending on the independent variable. So basically
dependent means a variable that can change based on another source.
(b) How does this definition help you understand the relationship between cause and effect in a
science investigation? It helps me understand the relationship between cause and effect better because
I know that without the independent variable there is no dependent variable. All in all, a dependent
variable cannot be without a independent variable. However, an independent variable can still and will
always exist.