click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Nature of Science
Unit 1
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| empirical evidence | The observations, measurements, and other types of data that people collect 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 by scientific knowledge |
| 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 statement that leads to a scientific investigation |
| dependent variable | the factor that changes as a result of manipulation of one or more independent variable |
| observation | the process of obtaining information by using the senses; the information obtained by using the senses |
| independent value | 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 math to solve real-life problems |
| technology | the application of science for practical purposes; the use of tools, machines, materials, and processes to meet our needs |
| prototype | a test model of a product |
| trad-off | the giving up of one thing for another, often applied to the engineering process |
| risk benefit analysis | the comparison of the risks and benefits of a decision or products |
| Pugh chart | table used to compare the features of multiple items, such as technological products or solutions |
| life cycle analysis | the evaluation of the materials and energy used for |