1.
constant: the variable that is not changed in an experiment
2.
controlled experiment: involves changing one factor and observing its effect on another while keeping all other factors constant
3.
critical thinking: combining what you already know with the new facts that you are given to decide if you should agree with something
4.
data: observations- gathered during a scientific investigation and can be recorded in the form of descriptions
5.
dependent variable: a factor that may change as a result of changes purposely made to the independent variable
6.
Earth Science: The study of Earth systems and the systems in space
7.
hypothesis: a reasonable and educated possible answer based on what you know and what you observe (educated guess, usually a if, then statement)
8.
independent variable: a factor that is purposely changed by the experimenter
9.
infer: to draw a conclusion based on what you observe
10.
life science: the study of living systems and the ways in which they interact
11.
model: any representation of an object or an event used as a tool for understanding the natural world
12.
observation: a record or description of an occurrence or pattern in nature
13.
Physical Science: The study of matter and energy
14.
prediction: an educated guess as to what is going to happen based on observation
15.
science: a systematic way of learning more about the natural world
16.
scientific law: a rule that describes a pattern in nature
17.
scientific method: processes scientists use to collect information and answer questions
18.
scientific theory: an attempt to explain a pattern observed repeatedly in the natural world
19.
system: a collection of structures, cycles, and processes that relate to and interact with each other
20.
Technology: the practical use of science
21.
theory: explanation of things or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and experiments
22.
variable: factor that can be changed in an experiment