A student has decided to investigate whether the number of flowers on a plant will increase if the water supply to the plant is increased. She has five pots of geranium plants to use in her experiment. What factor in the experiment should be varied for the five plants in order to answer the student's question?

The questions have been asked in several important state and regional science exams in the United States. For example: TAKS-Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, New York State Educational Department Regents exams, California Standards Test, etc.