key science skills terms (holiday hw)

experimental studies

In an experiment, an investigator deliberately exposes a group of subjects or objects of interest to a defined treatment, with the aim of observing the group's responses to that treatment.

observational studies

In an observational study, an investigator collects data about the object of study but does not change the existing conditions.

the steps of the scientific method

1. develop aims and questions, formulate hypothesis, and make predictions

2. plan and conduct investigations, complying with safety and ethical guidelines

3. generate, collate, and record data

4. analyse and evaluate data and investigation methods

5. construct evidence based arguments and draw conclusions

aim

An aim outlines the purpose or the key objective of the investigation.

hypothesis

It is a tentative, testable and falsifiable statement that predicts the relationship between two variables or predicts the outcome of an investigation.

model

Models are representations of ideas, phenomena or scientific processes.

theory

a well-supported explanation of a phenomenon.

law

describe what is expected to occur