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Nature of Science
Unit 1
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| empirical evidence | the observations, measurements, and other types of data that people gather and test to support and evaluate scientific explanations. |
| theory | he explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning, that is supported by a large quantity of evidence, and that does not conflict with any existing experimental results or observations. |
| 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 as a result of manipulation of one or more independent variables |
| observation | the process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses |
| independent variable | In a scientific 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 or workings of an object, system, or concept |
| engineering | the application of science and mathematics to solve real-life problems |
| technology | the application of science for practical purposes; the use of tools, |
| prototype | a test model of a product |
| trade-off | the giving up of one thing in return 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 |