Question | Answer |
observation | The act of gathering information using your 5 senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch |
quantitative observation | A numerical observation |
qualitative observation | A descriptive observation |
inference | Your opinion based on an observation |
variable | A quantity that varies or changes; anything that can affect the results of an experiment |
manipulated variable | The variable which is changed or "manipulated"--is graphed on the X axis |
responding variable | The variable which reacts to the manipulated variable--is graphed on the y axis |
controlled variable | Any variable which remains the same throughout any testing |
controlled experiment | All the variables stay the same except the manipulated variable--the responding variable reacts to the manipulated variable so it changes |
hypothesis | a possible solution to a scientific problem |
phenomena | Any observable event |
analyzing data | The process of using various forms of data to determine the validity of a hypothesis; to organize information gotten from an experiment and/or revise interpretation of data based on new information |
classifying | The ability to place objects into groups based on their characteristics |
communicating | The process of describing scientific phenomena--types of communicating include oral, written, pictures, models |
experimenting | The process of testing a hypothesis through the use of materials and the control of variables |
inferring | An interpretation of one's direct observation (past experiences are generally used as a basis for the interpretation) |
making hypotheses | The process of developing and/or identifying if...then statements which can be tested by conducting an appropriate experiment |
measuring | Making quantitative (numerical) observations using units of measurements and measuring devices |
predicting | The process of determining or anticipating future events based upon past observations and experiences |
recognizing and controlling variables | The process of identifying the variables of a system and choosing those to be held constant and those to be manipulated |