Spongebob notices that his pal Gary is suffering from slimotosis, which occurs when the shell develops a nasty slime and gives off a horrible odor. His friend Patrick tells him that rubbing seaweed on the shell is the perfect cure, while Sandy says that drinking Dr. Kelp will be a better cure. Spongebob decides to test this cure by rubbing Gary with seaweed for 1 week and having him drink Dr. Kelp. After a week of treatment, the slime is gone and Gary’s shell smells better.

Question

Spongebob notices that his pal Gary is suffering from slimotosis, which occurs when the shell develops a nasty slime and gives off a horrible odor. His friend Patrick tells him that rubbing seaweed on the shell is the perfect cure, while Sandy says that drinking Dr. Kelp will be a better cure. Spongebob decides to test this cure by rubbing Gary with seaweed for 1 week and having him drink Dr. Kelp. After a week of treatment, the slime is gone and Gary’s shell smells better.

1. What is the independent variable?
2. What is the dependent variable?

Answer 1

1. The independent variable is the type of treatment applied to Gary's shell (rubbing seaweed or drinking Dr. Kelp).

2. The dependent variable is the condition of Gary's shell (presence or absence of slime, and its odor).

Answer 2

1. The independent variable in this experiment is the treatment method for Gary's slimotosis. Specifically, it refers to whether Gary is being rubbed with seaweed or drinking Dr. Kelp.

2. The dependent variable in this experiment is the condition of Gary's shell. It includes the presence or absence of slime and the smell of the shell.