| Term | Definition |
| Data | Information obtained from experiments, sometimes called experimental results. |
| Dependent variable | The part of the experiment that is affected by the independent variable. |
| Experiment | A set of controlled observations that test the hypothesis. |
| Hypothesis | An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations and that can be tested. |
| Independent variable | The part of the experiment that is manipulated or changed by the scientists or person performing the experiment. |
| Law | Basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon. |
| Model | A pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure of workings of an object, system, or concept. |
| Scientific method | Procedures that scientists use to gather information and answer questions; include observing and hypothesizing, experimenting, and gathering and interpreting results. |
| Theory | An explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning. |