Question

During an investigation, Sam observes the number of hummingbirds that come to his large bird feeder at different times of day. He fills the feeder to the top the first day and counts the number of birds at 6 a.m., noon, and 6 p.m. over ten days. What are the independent and dependent variables in Sam’s investigation?

Answer 1

The independent variables are the # of hummingbirds and how many days. The dependent variables are how much he fills the feeder and the times.
Good luck :)

Answer 2

In a scientific experiment, an independent variable is the one which can be changed or manipulated in an experiment. A dependent variable is one which depends upon the independent variable in the experiment. In a experiment if independent variable changes or manipulated, the effect is observed and measured on the dependent variable.

The food being filled to the top for the first day till consumed up to 10 days can be considered as the independent variable, to determine the number of birds come to feed in different time periods (6.am and 6pm) is the dependent variable.