| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Observation | an examination of nature by data taken in through the senses |
| Inference | a guess, hunch, speculation based on an observation |
| Variables | factors in an experiment |
| Constants | the variables in an experiment that are kept the same or held constant |
| Independant Variable | the variable in an experiment that is changed purposefully by the experimentor |
| Dependant Variable | the variable in an experiment that is affected by the independant variable |
| Scientific Method | a problem solving method using steps which gather info to test ideas |
| Steps to the Scientific Method | Define the problem; make a hypothesis; Experiment; Analysis and Conclusion |
| Define the Problem | the first step to the scientific method; make observations and use prior experiences to narrow down the problem |
| Make Hypothesis | the 2nd step to the scientific method; this is your best guess, using prior experiences and knowledge, to an answer to the problem |
| Experiment | Test hypothesis by manipulating variables and collecting data through observations. |
| Quanitative Data | "number" Data |
| Qualitative Data | observations |
| Control group | the group used "under normal conditions" as a comparison for the experimental group; kept unchanged. |
| Experimental Group | the group that differs from the control group by only one thing or variable |
| Analysis and Conclusion | a discussion of your results in a paragraph form |
| Scientific Theory | a hypothesis backed by results from repeated tests, experiments, or observations that has ALWAYS been supported |
| Scientific Law | a rule of nature that describes the behaivor of something in nature without explaination |
| Model | description, picture or diagram of something that cannot be observed directly |
| Lab Reports | a way of presenting your scientific findings in a universal and specific format. |
| Graphs | a visual display of observations or data |
| Line Graphs | used to show trends, patterns, correlations, relationship, or how the dependant variable changes as the independent variable changes |
| Bar Graphs | useful for comparing information collected by counting |
| Circle/Pie Graph | used to show how a fixed quanity is broken into parts; parts of a whole |
| Interpolation | inferring a quantity within the data on the graph |
| Extrapolation | inferring a quantity by extending the graph beyond the data |
Combine with other sets
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