Unlocking Relationships: Dependent & Independent Variables

Mathematics Grades 7th Grade 2:10 Video
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Lesson Description

Learn to identify dependent and independent variables using real-world scenarios and equations. Discover how one variable influences the other!

Video Resource

Dependent and independent variables exercise: the basics | Algebra I | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

Duration: 2:10
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Variable
  • Independent Variable (Cause)
  • Dependent Variable (Effect)
  • Equations

Learning Objectives

  • Define independent and dependent variables in a given scenario.
  • Identify the independent and dependent variables in an equation.
  • Explain how a change in the independent variable affects the dependent variable.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students about real-life scenarios where one thing affects another (e.g., studying time vs. test scores, amount of rain vs. plant growth). Briefly introduce the terms 'independent' and 'dependent' variable as the cause and effect.
  • Video Viewing (7 mins)
    Play the Khan Academy video 'Dependent and independent variables exercise: the basics | Algebra I | Khan Academy'. Instruct students to take notes on the definitions and examples provided.
  • Guided Practice (10 mins)
    Work through the example from the video again as a class. Emphasize how the number of questions answered correctly (independent variable) determines the total points scored (dependent variable). Ask students to provide additional examples.
  • Independent Practice (10 mins)
    Present students with a few similar scenarios (word problems and equations) and have them identify the independent and dependent variables individually or in pairs. Provide support as needed.
  • Wrap-up (3 mins)
    Review the key concepts and answer any remaining questions. Preview the next lesson on more complex relationships between variables.

Interactive Exercises

  • Variable Sort
    Provide students with cards containing different variables (e.g., age, height, number of books read, grades). Have them sort the cards into 'Independent' and 'Dependent' categories based on various scenarios.
  • Equation Creation
    Give students a scenario and have them create an equation that represents the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

Discussion Questions

  • Can a variable be both independent and dependent? Explain your answer.
  • How does understanding independent and dependent variables help us in real life?
  • Why is it important to identify the independent variable when trying to solve a problem?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem Solving
  • Analytical Skills
  • Mathematical Reasoning

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

In the equation y = 3x + 2, which variable is the independent variable?

Correct Answer: x

Question 2:

Which of the following best describes an independent variable?

Correct Answer: A variable that is not affected by another variable.

Question 3:

Maria wants to see if the amount of sunlight affects plant growth. What is the dependent variable?

Correct Answer: The plant's growth

Question 4:

The amount of time you spend studying affects your test score. Which is the independent variable?

Correct Answer: The amount of time studying

Question 5:

In the equation p = 4s, where p is the perimeter of a square and s is the side length, which is the dependent variable?

Correct Answer: p

Question 6:

What happens to the dependent variable when the independent variable is changed?

Correct Answer: It also changes.

Question 7:

Which of these is an example of a dependent variable?

Correct Answer: Distance traveled

Question 8:

The number of slices of pizza you eat determines how full you feel. Which is the independent variable?

Correct Answer: The number of slices of pizza

Question 9:

What does the term 'variable' mean?

Correct Answer: A letter that stands for a number that can change

Question 10:

Which variable does not influenced or remain unchanged by the other variable?

Correct Answer: Independent

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The ________ variable is the one that is changed or controlled in a scientific experiment.

Correct Answer: independent

Question 2:

The ________ variable is the one that is being tested and measured in a scientific experiment.

Correct Answer: dependent

Question 3:

In the equation y = mx + b, 'x' represents the ________ variable.

Correct Answer: independent

Question 4:

The amount of fertilizer used affects plant growth. Plant growth is the ________ variable.

Correct Answer: dependent

Question 5:

If the independent variable increases, the ________ variable might also increase, decrease, or stay the same, depending on the relationship between them.

Correct Answer: dependent

Question 6:

The temperature of the oven affects how quickly a cake bakes. The oven temperature is the ________ variable.

Correct Answer: independent

Question 7:

In a graph, the independent variable is typically plotted on the __ axis.

Correct Answer: x

Question 8:

The variable whose value depends on another is called the ____ variable.

Correct Answer: dependent

Question 9:

A scientist is testing a drug to see if it reduces symptoms of a disease. The drug dosage is the ________ variable.

Correct Answer: independent

Question 10:

The amount of water a plant receives affects the size it grows to. The amount of water is the ______ variable.

Correct Answer: independent

Educational Standards

7.A.1:Explain the concept of proportionality in mathematical models and situations and distinguish between proportional and non-proportional relationships. 7.A.3:Represent mathematical situations using equations and inequalities involving variables and rational numbers.

Teaching Materials

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