Identifying Variables

Directions: Read the following situations and determine what affect or change, the variables would have on the situation.

• Variables are factors or conditions that affect the results of a situation or concept and are often tested in an experiment.
• A variable is a change that can be controlled by the experimenter when doing an experiment or scientific investigation.

1. What variables can affect the taste of pizza?
   
   
   
   
   
2. What variables can affect the sprouting of a bean seed?
   
   
   
   
   
3. What variables can affect the number of fish in a lake?
   
   
   
   
   
4. What variables can affect the speed of a runner in a 100-yard dash race?
   
   
   
   
   
5. What variables can affect the taste of a soft drink?
   
   
   
   
   

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Answer Key Answers listed are the most-likely, but other answers may also be acceptable.

1. What variables can affect the taste of pizza?

   How it is cooked, ingredients

2. What variables can affect the sprouting of a bean seed?

   Amount of nutrients in the soil, amount of light and water, space to grow

3. What variables can affect the number of fish in a lake?

   Predator-prey relationship existing in the lake, pollutants, oxygen levels, space to live

4. What variables can affect the speed of a runner in a 100-yard dash race?

   Surface of the track, runner's health and fitness, weather conditions, running shoes and apparel

5. What variables can affect the taste of a soft drink?

   Carbonation level, amount of syrup or flavoring, container