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Nature of Science
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Empirical evidence | All the measurements and data scientists gather in support of a scientific explanation. |
| Law | A description of a specific relationship under given conditions in the natural world. |
| Theory | A well supported explanation of nature. |
| Observation | The process of obtaining information by using the senses. |
| Independent variable | The factor that is deliberately manipulated in an investigation. |
| Dependent variable | The factor that changes as a result of manipulation of one or more independent variables. |
| Data | Information gathered by observation or experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning. |
| Model | A visual or mathematical representation of an object or system. |
| Engineering | The use of scientific and mathematical knowledge to solve practical problems. |
| Technology | The use of tools, materials, or processes to meet human needs. |
| Prototype | Special models built to test a product. |
| Trade-off | Accepting risks in exchange for benefits or giving up one benefit to gain another. |
| Risk-benefit analysis | Compares the risks, or unfavorable effects, to the benefits, or favorable effects, of a decision or technology. |
| Life cycle analysis | An evaluation of the materials and energy used for the manufacture, transportation, sale, use, and disposal of a product. |
| Experiment | An organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions. |
| Hypothesis | Testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation. |
| Pugh chart | A table used to compare the features of multiple items. |