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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 | the 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 |
| independent variable | in a scientific investigation, the factor that is deliberately manipulated |
| data | information gathered by observation or experimentation |
| model | a representation or plan 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, machines, materials, and processes to meet human needs |
| prototype | a test model of a product |
| trade-off | giving up of one thing in return for another |
| 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 technology |
| pugh chart | a table used to compare the features of multiple items |
| observation | the process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses |