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Nature of Science Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| science | knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in order to discover facts and formulate laws or principles that can be verified or tested |
| empirical evidence | observations, measurements, and other types of data that scientists gather and test to support and evaluate scientific explanations |
| 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 discovery |
| experiment | an organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions |
| data | information gathered by observation or experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning |
| inference | a conclusion based on an observation |
| accuracy | a description of how close a measurement is to an accepted value |
| independent variable | the variable in an experiment that is manipulated or changed |
| dependent variable | the variable in an experiment that responds to a manipulation or change |
| control group | the parts of an experiment that remain constant or unchanged |
| quantitative data | data that can be represented by the use of numbers |
| qualitative data | data that can be represented by the use of descriptive words |
| replication | performing the same observation or experiment as another scientist to find the same result |
| repetition | performing the same observation or experiment multiple times yourself to confirm a result |
| scientific 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 |
| scientific law | a descriptive statement or equation that reliably predicts events under certain circumstances |
| engineering | the application of science and mathematics to solve real-world problems |
| technology | the application of science for practical purposes; the use of tools, machines, materials, and processes to meet human needs |
| model | a pattern, plan, representation, or description designed to show the structure or workings of an object, system, or concept; may also be called a prototype |