Whether setting up a science experiment for a science project, or learning more about the scientific method, variables in science are important. Find out what variables mean, what are three types of variables you need to know, plus examples of independent and dependent variables in experiments. Enjoy hands-on and easy science experiments for kids today!
WHAT DOES VARIABLES MEAN IN SCIENCE
WHAT ARE SCIENTIFIC VARIABLES?
In science, we use variables to help us understand how different factors can affect an experiment or situation. Variables are any factor that can be changed in the experiment.
Specifically, there are three different types of variables that help us answer our question that we are investigating. Identifying these variables before you start will guide your decisions about how to conduct your experiment and how to measure the results.
Learn more about the scientific method for kids!
The three main types of variables are independent variable, dependent variable, and controlled variables.
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
The independent variable in a science experiment is the factor that you will change. The independent variable affects the dependent variable.
You can identify the independent variable by looking at what can exist in differing amounts or types, and what is directly related to the question of your experiment.
For example, if you are testing how different amounts of water affect plant growth, the amount of water would be the independent variable. You can change how much water you give the plants to see how it affects their growth.
Remember, choose only one independent variable for your experiment!
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
The dependent variable is the factor that you observe or measure in an experiment. It is the variable that is affected by changes made to the independent variable.
In the plant example, the dependent variable would be the plant’s growth. We are
measuring the plant’s growth to see how it is affected by the different amounts of water.
CONTROLLED VARIABLES
Control variables are the factors that you keep the same in the science experiment. This helps you make sure that any changes you see in the dependent variable are due to the independent variable and not something else.
With some experiments, you may choose to set up a control that has no amount of the independent variable added to it. All other factors are the same. This is great for comparison.
For example, in the plant experiment, you would keep the type of soil, the type of plant, and the
amount of sunlight all the same so that you can be sure that any changes in plant growth are only due to the different amounts of water you are giving them. You could also have one plant that you give no water.
SCIENCE PROJECTS
Working on a science fair project? Then check out these helpful resources below and make sure to grab our free printable science fair project pack below! NEW! Includes printable variables pdf and pH scale pdf.
Grab the FREE Information Sheet to Get Started!
EASY SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS WITH INDEPENDENT AND DEPENDENT VARIABLES
Here are a few examples of independent and dependent variables in science experiments. All of these experiments are very easy to do, and use simple supplies! Of course, you could change out the variables in these examples by asking a different question.
Apple Browning Experiment
Investigate what stops cut apples from turning brown. Does lemon juice work the best or something else? The independent variable is the type of substance you apply to the apples to stop or slow down browning. The dependent variable is the amount of browning on each apple slice.
Balloon Experiment
Kids love this easy science experiment. Blow up a balloon with a vinegar and baking soda chemical reaction. Find out what amount of baking soda makes for the biggest balloon. The independent variable is the amount of baking soda added to the vinegar, and the dependent variable is the size of the balloon.
Gummy Bear Experiment
A dissolving candy experiment is fun to do! Here we used gummy bears to explore what liquid they dissolve the fastest in. You could also do this with candy hearts, candy corn, candy fish, candy canes for fun variations.
The independent variable is the type of liquid you use to dissolve your gummy bears. You could use water, salt water, vinegar, oil or other household liquids. The dependent variable is the time it takes to dissolve the candy.
Ice Melting Experiment
Explore what makes ice melt faster. The independent variable is the type of substance added to the ice. You could try salt, sand and sugar. The dependent variable is the time it takes to melt the ice.
Popsicle Stick Catapult
This is a fun physics activity especially for kids who love tinkering and building stuff, and you can turn it into a science experiment. Investigate how far an object travels as it weighs more.
The independent variable is the type of object you use on your catapult (vary by weight). The dependent variable is the distance it travels. This is a good experiment for repeating several times so you can average the results.
Salt Water Density Experiment
Explore the density of salt water vs fresh water with this simple science experiment. What happens to an egg in salt water? Will the egg float or sink? The independent variable is the amount of salt added to fresh water. The dependent variable is the distance of the egg from the bottom of the glass.
Seed Germination Experiment
Turn this seed germination jar into an easy science experiment by exploring what happens to seed growth when you change the amount of water used. The independent variable is the amount of the water used for each seed jar. The dependent variable is the length of the seedling over a period of time.
MORE HELPFUL SCIENCE RESOURCES
SCIENCE VOCABULARY
It is never too early to introduce some fantastic science words to kids. Get them started with a printable science vocabulary word list.
WHAT IS A SCIENTIST
Think like a scientist! Act like a scientist! Learn about the different types of scientists and what they do to increase their understanding of their specific area of interest. Read What Is A Scientist
SCIENCE BOOKS FOR KIDS
Sometimes the best way to introduce science concepts is through a colorfully illustrated book with characters your kids can relate to! Check out this fantastic list of science books that are teacher approved and get ready to spark curiosity and exploration!
SCIENCE PRACTICES
A new approach to teaching science is called the Best Science Practices. These eight science and engineering practices are less structured and allow for a more free–flowing approach to problem-solving and finding answers to questions.
FUN SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS TO TRY
Don’t just read about science, go ahead and enjoy one of these fantastic kids science experiments!
