We obtain water samples from both the Middle Patuxent River and the Baltimore Inner Harbor. Baltimore's Inner Harbor appeared heavily polluted based on our observations. There was waste such as plastic, paper, garbage on the deck and in most areas, and some was floating on the surface of the water. The Middle Patuxent River does not appear polluted. It looked natural and was surrounded by woods, trees and rocks. It had green vegetation around it and the trees seemed to provide good shade. The water also seems clear. From each location, we collected 2 separate water samples approximately fifty meters apart to obtain more reliable results and limit variability. The samples were collected on the same day and at the same time to limit testing errors due to weather changes. An independent variable is the variable that can be controlled and manipulated. It is what we think will influence the dependent variable (Readel,2000). Our independent variable will be water samples taken from each distance at Baltimore's Inner Harbor and the Middle Patuxent River. A dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment. It's what we think will be affected during