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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 | 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. |
| 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. |
| hypothesis | A testable idea or explanation that leads to scientific investigation. |
| independent variable | In a scientific investigation, the factor that is deliberately manipulated. |
| data | Information gathered by observation can be used in calculating or reasoning. |
| model | A pattern,plan,representation, or description designed show the structure or working of an object |
| 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 in return for another often applied to the engineering design process. |
| risk benefit analysis | The comparison of 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 | table used to compare the features of multiple items, such as technological products or solutions. |