click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Nature of science
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Empirical Evidence | The observations, measurements, and other types of data that people gather and test to support and evaluate scientific explanation. |
| Theory | A system of ideas that explains many related observations and is supported by a large body of evidence acquired through scientific investigation. |
| Law | A descriptive statement or equation that reliably predicts events under certain conditions. |
| Experiment | An organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions. |
| Hypothesis | A testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation. |
| dependent variable | in a scientific investigation, the factor that changes the result of manipulation of one or more independent variable. |
| observation | The process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses. |
| independent variable | in a science investigation, the factor that is deliberately manipulated. |
| data | information gathered by observation or experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning. |
| model | A pattern, plan, representation or description designed to show the structure. |
| engineering | The application of science and mathematics to solve real life problems. |
| technology | The application of science for practical purposes the use of tools, machines, materials and processes to meet human needs. |
| prototype | A test model of a product. |
| trade-off | the giving up of one thing for another, often applied to the engineering design process. |
| risk benefit analysis | the comparison of the risks and benefits of a decision or product. |
| life cycle analysis | the evaluation of the materials and energy used for the manufacture, transportation, sale, use and disposal of a technology. |
| Pugh chart | a table used to compare the features of multiple items such as technological products or solutions. |