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Vocabulary 2
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| delta | A landform made of sediment that is deposited where a river flows into an ocean or lake. |
| empirical research | Research based on firsthand experience of observed & measured phenomena |
| Igneous rock | Ignis-Latin for fire Created from the melting of rock to form magma or lava, which then cools. |
| intrusive rock | Created when magma (molten rock) is cooled inside Earth’s crust and therefore contains larger grains and/or crystals due to a longer cooling process. |
| weathering | The breaking down of rock via wind, water, ice or chemical reactions- leads to the formation of sediment. |
| dependent variable | The variable in a controlled experiment that the scientist is measuring or taking data on. Sometimes called the outcome or responding variable. |
| deposition | The process of sediment being laid down in new locations. Leads to the formation of deltas and sand dunes. |
| theory | A scientific theory explains WHY something happens – evidence based explanation. Ex: Big Bang Theory |
| repeat | To do again. In science, an experiment should be repeated three to five trials to verify findings. |
| cementation | Process by which sediment is hardened and welded together to form sedimentary rock. |
| composition | The material an object is made of. Base word: compose |
| erosion | The movement of sediment via wind, water or ice. |
| sedimentary rock | Created by the deposit of sediment in layers over long periods of time. Fossils are typically found in these types of rocks since they form in layers. |
| field study | A scientific study of free-living plants or animals in which the subjects are observed in their natural habitat without interference. Sometimes called an observational study. Ex: When do birds migrate from our local park? |
| control | The control in an experiment is the group that is left NORMAL in order to provide a baseline. CONTROL freaks keep 1 group NORMAL! |
| geology | Geo=Earth/Rock The study of Rocks- Earth’s surface, interior, rock cycle, etc. |
| metamorphic rock | Created when existing rock is put under extreme heat and pressure. |
| systematic observation | A form of observation used to either support or disprove a hypothesis. The skill of recognizing and noting phenomena. Involves measurement/collection of data. Ex: How do weather patterns change in the Pacific Ocean throughout the year? |
| extrusive rock | Created when lava (molten rock) is cooled outside Earth’s crust and therefore contains smaller grains and/or crystals due to faster cooling. |
| constant | Constants are the aspects of an experiment that STAY the SAME in order to make sure that the results are fair and valid |
| compaction | Process by which sediment is squeezed together due to pressure from additional layers above. |
| law | A scientific law describes What happens but doesn’t explain. Ex: The Law of Gravitation |
| independent variable | The variable in a controlled experiment that the scientist intentionally changes- also called the manipulated or test variable. |