Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello everyone! I am currently working on a science fair project for my Living Enviornment class, though I'm in the eigth grade, this is a ninth grade class so I'm writing it in this forum. Currently, my interest lies in the following project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p057.shtml (Here Today, Gone Tomorrow: Saving Migratory Animals), since it is not a physical project, but a computer one, so I feel there is more room for analysis. My true question is, what are the variables in this project? That is one of the requirements of the science project we're supposed to do. By variables, I mean the independent and dependent variable - what depends on what, and what changes, and what remains the same throughout the project, basically. I was thinking that the place a certain group of animals go to remains the same, whereas their reasons of going there change (migration wise). Would anyone please help me? And do you feel this project is unique/will be fun to do? Thank you so much, and have a nice day!

Hello there,

I think this is a super cool project--kudos for deciding to do this! I think it's pretty awesome that they have all of this migration data for you to access.

Here is a really great page on Science Buddies that explains what independent variables versus dependent variables are in experiments, if you haven't already seen it!
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... evariables. Hopefully this is helpful! I took a very quick look over the project idea, and from what I see, I believe the independent variable (what you change) is where the birds go actually. So the birds can go to either their breeding ground, their wintering ground, or stopover sites. The dependent variable (what you will observe) will be the characteristics at these habitats. For example, if you look at the procedures, step #5, they chose to look at land use, number of buildings, and roads--these are the dependent variables because these characteristics depend on which habitat you're looking at. Other experts, feel free to chime in if you have anything to add or correct me if I'm wrong!

Please feel free to post back with more questions if you need anymore help.

Best of luck,
Connie

I agree with Connie: a cool project, and I think she nailed the variables.

Cheers,
Colin