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Nature of Science
Unit 1
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| emprirical evidence | The observations, measurements, and other types of data that people gather and test to support and evaluate scientific explanations. |
| theory | A system of ideas that explains many related observations and is supported by a large body of evidence acquired through scientific investigations. |
| 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 statement that relies on info gathered from observations and inferences. Phrased as an "if" "then" statement. |
| dependent variable | Factor that you want to observe or measure during an experiment. |
| independent variable | Factor that you want to test that is changed by the investigator to observe how it affects a dependent variable. |
| observation | Act of using one or more of your senses to gather info and taking note of what occurs. |
| data | Info 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 of workings of an object, system, or concept. |
| engineering | The application of Science and math to solve real-life problems. |
| technology | Practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use. |
| 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. |
| life cycle analysis | The evaluation of the materials and energy used |
| Pugh chart | A table used to compare the features of multiple items, such as technological products or solutions. |
| risk-benefit analysis | The comparisons of the risks and benefits of a decision or project. |