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Scientific Inquiry
Section 2
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Scientific Inquiry | Refers to the different ways scientists study the natural world. |
Hypothesis | A possible answer to a scientific question or explanation for a set of observations. |
Parameter | A factor that can be measured in an experiment. |
Manipulated Variable | The variable parameter that is purposely changed. |
Responding Variable | The variable parameter that is expected to change. |
Controlled Experiment | The only one parameter that is manipulated at a time. |
Model | A picture,diagram,computer image, or other representation. |
Scientific Theory | Well tested explanation for a wide range of observations. |
Scientific Law | A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions. |
Data | The facts,figures, and other evidence gathered through observations. |
Communicating | Comparing answers and seeing if your data matches. |
Graph | A "Picture" of your data. |
Horizontal Axis | X-axis, is the graph line that runs left to right. |
Vertical Axis | Y-axis, is the graph line that runs up and down. |
Origin | The point where the 2 axis cross. |
Coordinate | A pair of numbers used to determine the position of a point on a graph. |
Data Point | The point showing the location of that intersection. |
Line of Best Fit | A smooth line that reflects the general pattern of the graph. |
Linear Graph | A line graph in which the data points yield a straight line. |
Slope | The steepness of the graph line. |
NonLinear Graph | A line graph in which the data points do not fall along a straight line. |
Science | The study of the natural world. |
Observing | Using one or more senses to gather information. |
Predicting | Making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence. |
Inferring | Making an Inference |
Chemistry | The study of properties of matter and how matter changes. |
Physics | The study of matter,energy,motion, and forces, and how they interact. |
Quantitative Data | Descriptions that does NOT include numbers. |
Qualitative Data | Includes numbers |