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    Home » Science Experiments for Kids » What is an independent variable?

    What is an independent variable?

    March 3, 2022 By Emma Vanstone Leave a Comment

    A variable is a factor in an experiment that can be changed.

    When you set up an experiment in the correct way you need to think about control, independent and dependent variables.

    What is an independent variable?

    The independent variable is the factor changed in an experiment. There is usually only one independent variable as otherwise it’s hard to know which variable has caused the change.

    What is a dependent variable?

    The dependent variable is the variable measured in an experiment. It depends on the independent variable!

    What is a control variable?

    Control variables are variables that must be kept the same in an experiment.

    Usually only one variable is measured and an experiment investigates how changing the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

    Experiment ideas for learning about setting up a fair test

    Investigating the effect of exercise on heart rate

    If you wanted to investigate the effect of exercise on heart rate the variables would be as follows

    Control variables

    Same person exercising

    Same method used to measure heart rate.

    Independent variable

    Type of exercise or no exercise.

    Dependent variable

    Heart rate

    Investigating the effect of viscosity of a liquid on flow rate

    If you wanted to investigate how the thickness of a liquid affects it’s flow rate the variables would be as follows.

    Viscosity experiment - science for kids

    Control variables

    Gradient of ramp

    Distance travelled by each liquid

    Amount of each liquid used

    Independent variable

    Liquid used

    Dependent variable

    Time taken for each liquid to travel a set distance

    Last Updated on March 3, 2022 by Emma Vanstone

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