| Term | Definition |
| Constant | A factor that remains fixed during an experiment while the independent and dependent variables change; controlled variable |
| Control group | In a controlled experiment, the group not receiving the factor being tested; the standard to compare to. |
| Data | Quantitative or qualitative information gained from scientific investigation. |
| Dependent variable | Factor being measured in a controlled experiment; its value changes because of the changes to the Independent variable. |
| Experiment | Procedure performed in a controlled setting to test a hypothesis and collect precise data. |
| Experimental group | In a controlled experiment, the group receiving the factor being tested. |
| Hypothesis | Testable explanation of a situation. |
| Independent variable | The one factor that can be changed in a controlled experiment; is the factor tested and affects the experimental outcome. |
| Inference | Assumption based on observations |
| Observation | Orderly, direct information gathered about a phenomenon. Something you can directly see, taste, hear, touch etc. |
| Peer Review | A process in which the procedures used during an experiment may be repeated and the results evaluated by scientists who are in the same field. |
| Pseudoscience | a claim, belief or practice presented as scientific, but which does not adhere to the scientific method. |
| Science | A body of knowledge based on the study of nature |
| Scientific Method | A series of problem-solving procedures that might include observations, forming a hypothesis, experimenting, analyzing data and drawing conclusions. |
| Theory | Explanation of a natural phenomenon based on many observations and investigations over time. |
| CER | Claim, Evidence, & Reasoning - a scientific process that explains a natural phenomenon using evidence and reasoning |
