Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

what is a controllalbe independent variable that could impact cardiovascular fitness?

Quick Review: The independant variable is the thing that you change; the dependant variable is the thing which you measure

Are you planning to do an experiment using animals (mice, etc.) or people? This makes a difference in the types of independant/dependnat variables you can use.

When talking about cardiovascular fitness, almost anything can be an independant variable: diet, exercise, number of hours watching TV, etc. Similairly, cardiovascular health can be measured in many ways (resting heart rate, blood pressure, stamina, etc.)

Thus, you have several options for both your independant and dependant variables.

A word of caution: Although there is nothing wrong with doing projects on people or animals (which a study of cardiovascular fitness would entail), you must be certain to check with your teacher to make sure of any other rules or forms that need to be filled out.