Working Scientifically Skills Manual

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts found in the Working Scientifically Skills Manual.

Inquiry Question

A question that defines what is being investigated and can be measured scientifically.

Aim or Purpose

A statement describing what is going to be investigated, typically starting with 'to'.

Prediction

A forecast of the expected outcome of an experiment based on knowledge and experience.

Hypothesis

A proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is changed or manipulated by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

The factor that may change in response to the independent variable.

Controlled Variables

Factors that are kept constant in an experiment to ensure valid results.

Experimental Control

A sample or trial where no changes are made, used to compare with experimental outcomes.

Risk Management

The process of identifying, assessing, and taking steps to minimize risks.

Accuracy

The extent to which a measurement reflects the true value of the quantity being measured.

Reliability

The degree to which repeated measurements under the same conditions yield consistent results.

Validity

The extent to which the processes and data measure what they were intended to.

Graph

A visual representation of data that can show the relationship between two variables.

Table

A systematic arrangement of data in rows and columns used to organize results.

Variable

Any factor that can be controlled, changed, or measured in an experiment.

Results

Data and observations collected during an experiment.

Discussion

Analysis of the results, including trends, errors, and implications.

Conclusion

A summary of findings, restating the aim, and indicating whether the hypothesis is supported.

Safety Precautions

Procedures put in place to minimize risks and ensure safe scientific experimentation.