Term | Definition |
Qualitative Observation | Observations that describe using words |
Quantitative Observation | Observations that are described with numbers; measured or counted |
Inference | An explanation of an observation based on background knowledge; an assumption |
Scientific method | The process scientists use to solve problems |
State the Problem | A question or statement that explains the purpose of the scientific investigation |
Hypothesis | A scientific prediction about the outcome of an investigation |
Experiment | A controlled test of a hypothesis set up by the scientist |
Independent variable | The variable the scientist changes on purpose; what is being tested |
Dependent variable | The variable that responds to the change made by the scientist; what is measured or affected |
Constants | Variables that are kept the same throughout the experiment so they don't affect the outcome |
Control | The experimental set-up that is used for comparison; a set-up that does not get tested |
Data | The facts, measurements, and observations collected during an experiment |
Conclusion | The summary of the results, or the outcome of an experiment |
Theory | A logical explanation of a natural occurrence |
Law | A theory that becomes accepted as true |
Repeated trials | Doing the experiment several times to ensure accuracy of the data |
I.V. = sugar
D.V. = amount of carbon dioxide | Identify the Independent & Dependent Variables -
What is the effect of sugar on the amount of carbon dioxide produced by yeast? |
I.V. = air temperature,
D.V. = number of cricket chirps | Identify the Independent & Dependent Variables - If the air temperature is increased then the number of cricket chirps will decrease. |
Problem Statement | Which part is it?
Which type of birdseed will attract the greatest number of birds? |
Hypothesis | Which part is it?
If water is added to the beans then they will increase in size. |
Conclusion | Which part is it?
The data shows the nickel held more water drops than the dime or the quarter. My hypothesis was not supported by the data. |
The control is the tank with no fish in it. | Identify the control in this experiment - David set up 4 containers with different numbers of fish. 1 = 2 fish, 2 = 4 fish, 3= 6 fish, 5 = 0 fish. |
The experiment | What part is it? Set up four aquariums with the same water and light. In tank 1 put 2 fish, tank 2 with 4 fish, tank 3 fish gets 6 fish and tank 4 gets no fish. |
The side that only received water | What's the control? Homer thinks coconut juice will clean the green slime in his shower. He sprays half of his shower with coconut juice and the other half with water. |
I.V. = different flower colors
D.V. = bee response | Identify the Independent & Dependent variables - How do bees respond to different colors of flowers? |