Final answer:
In the student's experiment with boxes made of glass and clear plastic, the dependent variable is the temperature of the air inside each box after being placed in the sun, as it is the outcome being measured. The independent variable is likely the material of the box.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Variables in the Experimental Process.An experiment is a scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. In an experiment, the dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. It is dependent on the independent variable, which is the variable that is varied or manipulated by the researcher. In the student's experiment with the two boxes on the windowsill, the dependent variable is the temperature of the air inside each box. This is because the temperature is the outcome that is measured after exposure to the independent variable, which in this case, is likely the material of the box (glass or clear plastic). The air temperatures are assessed after the boxes have been exposed to sunlight. In the example of the scientist growing bacteria on different types of gel, the dependent variable is the number of bacteria observed after 24 hours, while the independent variable is the type of gel used (gel A or gel B). The dependent variable is dependent upon the condition set by the independent variable.