| Term | Definition |
| Inference | A logical assumption based on prior knowledge (comes after making an observation.) |
| Observation | Act of using one or more of your senses to gather information and taking note of what occurs. |
| Hypothesis | A testable statement that relies on information gathered from observations and inferences. Phrased as an "If" "then" statement. |
| Variables | Factors in an experiment that are used for investigation. |
| Independent Variable | Factor that you want to test that is changed by the investigator to observe how it affects a dependent variable. |
| Dependent Variable | Factor that you want to observe or measure during an experiment. |
| Scientific Theory | Explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations. |
| Constant | A variable that remains the same throughout an experiment. |
| Sample Size | How many people, objects, or things involved in the experiment. Important when conducting an experiment on groups of subjects. |
| Replication | Must be done in order for results of an experiment to be accepted. |
| Conclusion | Developed after carrying out an experiment using data and analyzing results. |
| Control Group | The group that must stay the same in an experiment to test the other group. The group used for comparison. |
| Inquiry | Scientific process requiring the scientist to seek an answer to a question. |
| Science | Investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results from these investigations. |
| Technology | Practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use. |
| Qualitative Observation | Observations that are made using your senses. |
| Quantitative Observation | Observations that are made using rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, and thermometers. |
| Scientific Law | Rule that describes a pattern in nature. |
| Experimental Group | The group that is being tested on. |
| Critical Thinking | Comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree
with it. |
| Physical | Describes a branch of science
in which matter and energy are
studied. |
| Prediction | Statement of what will happen in a sequence of events. |
| Description | Spoken or written summary of observations. |
| Explanation | Interpretation of observations. |
| International System of Units | Internationally accepted system for measurement. |
| Significant Digits | Number of digits you know in a measurement with a certain degree of reliability. |
| Potential | Possible, likely, or probable. |
| Gram | The base unit for mass. |
| Liter | The base unit for volume. |
| Meter | The base unit for length. |
| Celsius | The metric unit for temperature. |
