Scientific Variables Sort Cards

About this printable

This printable contains labelled cards to cut out and sort: variable-type definition cards (independent, dependent, controlled, control group), example cards (e.g. temperature, plant height, light intensity, control group example), control-strategy cards (e.g. keep constant, measure accurately, repeat tests) and ‘not a variable’ distractor cards (e.g. time of day, name of investigator). Each card includes a short definition or guidance line plus an icon; a small legend shows the four colour codes. It is intended to scaffold students’ understanding of how to identify variables and plan fair tests.