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ScientificInquiry
scientific inquiry
Term | Definition |
---|---|
observing/observation | using senses to identify or learn about something |
inferring/inference | conclusion formed from prior knowledge and available information or evidence (educated guess--past or present) |
predicting/prediction | stating an expected result of what will happen in the future (educated guess--future) |
independent variable | the variable that is changed by the tester in an experiment (the cause) |
dependent variable | the variable that changes as a result of a change in the independent variable (the effect) |
hypothesis | an educated guess (prediction) AND explanation that can be tested with a scientific investigation |
quantitative data | descriptions of the natural world using numbers |
qualitative data | descriptions of the natural world using words (classifying) |
description | summary of observations (tells who, what, when, where) |
explanation | interpretation of observations (tells why or how) |
control | the sample of the experiment that no factor is changed; it's treated the same BUT the independent variable is NOT applied |
constants | the factors in an experiment that remain the same (all factors except independent and dependent variables) |
prior knowledge | using what you already know to infer and predict possible outcomes |
bias | showing favor of or against one thing compared with another |
measurement/measuring | Comparing an unknown amount with a known unit to determine its dimensions |
classifying/classification | Grouping objects or events based on similarities |
communicating/communication | Using written or spoken words |
model | A representation of an object or event |
investigation | a procedure carried out to gather data about an object or event |
argument | A statement put forth and supported by evidence |
claim | statement or assertion that is the conclusion of an argument |
evidence | the available body of facts or information (data) indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid. |
reasoning | the process of drawing a conclusion on the basis of evidence |
system | group of objects that interact with each other |
analyze | discover through detailed examination |
interpret | explain the meaning of |
evaluate | Examine and judge carefully. |
empirical | based on observation or experiment and not on theory |
phenomenon (phenomena) | a fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed (often naturally-occurring)--could be a puzzling event or process that requires a wide range of science ideas to be coordinated together to fully explain the concept |
technology | tool used to solve real-world problems |
computational | relating to the process of mathematical calculation, often using computers |
science | knowledge about or study of the natural world based on facts learned through experiments and observation |
engineering | the application of science and mathematics to define problems (including criteria and constraints) and design solutions |