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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 explanatons |
| 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 conditons |
| 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 |
| observation | the process of obtaining information by using the senses |
| independent variable | in a scientific investigation 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 working of an objects, 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 | 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 for the manufacture, transportation, sale, use and disposal of Technology |
| pugh chart | a table used to compare the features of multiple items, such as technological products or solutions |
| risk-benefit analysis | the comparison of the risk and benefits of a decision or product |