Bioluminescence: Investigating Glow in the Dark Dinoflagellates

Ask questions about projects relating to: biology, biochemistry, genomics, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology/toxicology, zoology, human behavior, archeology, anthropology, political science, sociology, geology, environmental science, oceanography, seismology, weather, or atmosphere.

Moderators: AmyCowen, kgudger, MadelineB, Moderators

Locked
deleted-477477
Posts: 11
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2017 6:58 pm
Occupation: Student

Bioluminescence: Investigating Glow in the Dark Dinoflagellates

Post by deleted-477477 »

The dependent variable for this experiment would be the brightness produced by the dinoflagellates, but I'm not sure as to what the independent variable is. I thought it would be time, but the more I think about it the more I question it being wrong. Now I think it would be the light-dark cycles. Would these variables be correct?
SciB
Expert
Posts: 2071
Joined: Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:00 am
Occupation: Retired molecular biologist, university researcher and teacher
Project Question: I wish to join Scibuddies to be able to help students achieve the best science project possible and to understand the science behind it.
Project Due Date: n/a
Project Status: Not applicable

Re: Bioluminescence: Investigating Glow in the Dark Dinoflagellates

Post by SciB »

Hi Kat,

You are correct that the dependent variable, the thing that you are measuring, is the light produced by the dinoflagellates. The independent variable is the one you control that affects the organisms--the light/dark cycles in this case. Timing is a factor, but it is the light cycle that is the independent variable and that includes time.

Good luck and do let us know how your experiments turn out. We always like feedback from our students!

Sybee
Locked

Return to “Grades 9-12: Life, Earth, and Social Sciences”