Y10: Variables Revision

• Science
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Y10: Variables Revision

I could change many things about this dog.

 

For example:

• Colour
• Breed
• Mass

In science, our variables must be specific. 

We never use the word amount. Instead we talk about volume, mass, concentration or density.

For example, if I drank some of the water in this glass, I would be decreasing the volume of water.

Give 3 variables I could change about this aeroplane.

Give 3 variables I could change about this balloon.

Within a scientific investigation, there are many variables which could be changed. 

It is important to identify them, as they could have an effect on the outcome of the experiment.

To be sure our results are valid, we can only change one variable at a time. All the rest must be controlled. 

What is the independent variable here?

A study was done to find if different tire treads affect the braking distance of a car.

What is the independent variable here?

The time it takes to run a mile depends on the person’s running speed.

What is the independent variable here?

The height of bean plants depends on the amount of water they receive.

What is the dependent variable here?

A study was done to find if different tire treads affect the braking distance of a car.

What is the dependent variable here?

The time it takes to run a mile depends on the person’s running speed.

What is the dependent variable here?

The height of bean plants depends on the amount of water they receive.

What variables would need to be controlled?

A study was done to find if different tire treads affect the braking distance of a car.

What variables would need to be controlled?

The time it takes to run a mile depends on the person’s running speed.

What variables would need to be controlled?

The height of bean plants depends on the amount of water they receive.

Match the keyword to the definition.

The variable that an investigator changes.

The variable that an investigator measures.

The variables that are kept the same so the results are reliable.

Independent variable

Dependent variable

Control variable

Identify the independent and dependent variables.

The higher the temperature of the air in the oven, the faster a cake will bake.

What variables would need to be controlled?

The higher the temperature of the air in the oven, the faster a cake will bake.

Identify the independent and dependent variables.

Lemon trees receiving the most water produced the most lemons.

What variables would need to be controlled?

Lemon trees receiving the most water produced the most lemons.

Identify the independent and dependent variables.

An investigation found that more bushels of potatoes were produced when the soil was fertilised more.

What variables would need to be controlled?

An investigation found that more bushels of potatoes were produced when the soil was fertilised more.

Identify the independent and dependent variables.

Students measured the temperature of the water at different depths in Lake Skywalker and found that the temperature varied.

What variables would need to be controlled?

Students measured the temperature of the water at different depths in Lake Skywalker and found that the temperature varied.

Go and get a copy of the worksheet from the front and complete it.