Term | Definition |
Analyzing & Presenting Data | Makes inferences (assumptions or presumptions)
Recognizes patterns in the data
Uses tables, graphs and charts to help analyze the data as well as present the data |
Benefit | – an advantage; promotes or enhances well-being
Benefits society beyond its original purpose |
Drawback | – a disadvantage or inconvenience
Leads to the need for greater scientific knowledge
i.e., the computer, cell phones |
Data Collecting Techniques | --Observation; Measurement; Experiments
Laboratory tools used to assist in this collection may include:
Microscopes; a balance; a computer; calipers AND others |
Dependent Variable | Variable being measured in an experiment
CHANGES in response to "the controller" (independent variable); Y-Axis |
Ethics | Differences between good and bad or right and wrong
Morality of doing something
Reduces bias and prejudice
Code of Ethics scientists must follow --
*Perform research honestly
*Report results accurately
*Cannot influence experimental results |
Hypothesis | An educated guess
MUST be testable
i.e., If a plant receives fertilizer, then it will grow to be bigger than a plant that does not receive fertilizer. [Having fertilizer is the independent variable.] |
Impact | Effect or impression of something upon another
i.e., the computer & the cell phone |
Independent Variable | the “CONTROLLER”
CAN BE changed to find out how the change affects the other variable(s) |
Laboratory Tools | Tools and equipment used by scientists working in a laboratory.
Include tools such as bunsen burners, and microscopes as well as Laboratory glassware such as the beaker. |
Questions to consider with TECHNOLOGY | What are the benefits?
What are the risks?
Are rights of individual (human/animal) respected?
Does it do more good than harm? |
Scientific Inquiry | Process used to find answers; Guides research; Used to ask valid questions; Gather & analyze information |
Scientific Method | Steps SCIENTIST use to answer questions and solve problems— (1) Ask a Question; (2) Form Hypothesis;
(3). Design/Conduct Experiment; (4) Collect/Analyze Data; (5) Mke Tentative Conclusion (5) Test Conclusion or Refine Steps
ex Why car does not start? |
Technology | Uses scientific knowledge for practical purposes
i.e., tools, machines, other devices |
Test Groups | Good experiments will have two groups (Experimental & Control)
EXPERIMENTAL–contains independent variable [the controller]; Receives changes; Performs experimental procedures
CONTROL–remains constant; no change
Compares results of experimental group |
Theory | Attempts to explain observations and information
AFTER many observations and hypothesis testing by scientists may be accepted |
Variable | Quantity that changes or stays constant in an experiment
TWO types
Independent Variable-
Dependent Variable |
Independent Variable | a variable that stands alone and isn't changed by the other variables you are trying to measure. For example, someone's age might be an independent variable. |
Dependent Variable | It is something that depends on other factors. When looking for a relationship between two things--trying to find out what makes the dependent variable change the way it does |