Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am completing the experiment called "Attack of the Killer Cabbage Clones." I'm getting ready to begin my papers and realized that I don't know what the variables are in my project. I'm 4 days into the experiment so if there's anything I can change to create variables, any help is appreciated!!! Also, this project is due Tuesday, Dec.10th, 2013!

Hello there,

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

If you are following the exact procedures as in "Attack of Killer Cabbage Clones", I would say your independent variable (what you change) is the different parts of the stem--you have the top of the stem, the middle of the stem, and the bottom of the stem. Your dependent variable would be what you observe, so essentially the characteristics of the stem over the course of your experiment, as outlined nicely in the procedures in a table under step #10. Other experts, please correct me if I am wrong!

So as far as I can tell, you do have variables in your experiment! If you aren't doing the experiment exactly as outlined, let us know the changes you made so we can help you figure out whether your variables have changed. Feel free to post back with more questions if you need anymore help!

Best,
Connie

thank you so much!!!! you helped a ton!