Variable

Contents

Key Stage 2

Meaning

A variable is something that you can change, keep the same, or measure/observe in an investigation.

About Variables

There are three types of variable.

• Independent Variable: The thing you choose to change in an investigation.
• Control Variables: The things you keep the same in an investigation to make it a fair test.
• Dependent Variable: The thing you measure or observe in an investigation.

Examples

An investigation to test the claim: All leaves are green.

Oak Leaf	Beech Leaf	Ash Leaf
Maple Leaf	Chestnut Leaf	Variables
		The different leaves chosen was the independent variable. The colour of the leaves was the dependent variable The experiment was done at the same time of year for every tree because at different times leaves can change colour or fall off. This was a control variable

Results Table	Variables
	The type of food chosen was the independent variable. The colour of the iodine after being added to food was the dependent variable. There are many control variables that should be done. If the food colour was blue or black it might give the wrong result, so all the food should be the same pale colour. Another control variable is the amount of iodine used.