Grade 7 Science: Scientific Method, Equipment, and Investigation Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the scientific method, laboratory safety, equipment, variable types, graphing guidelines, and experimental evaluation from Grade 7 Science.

Observation

The first stage of a scientific investigation, defined as noticing something interesting in the natural world.

Scientific Question

A clear, specific, and testable question based on variables that can be measured or observed.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction based on scientific reasoning, commonly formatted as: If…, then…, because…

Independent Variable

The factor in an investigation that is deliberately changed by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an investigation that is measured or observed to see how it responds to changes.

Controlled Variables

The factors in an investigation that are kept exactly the same to ensure a fair test.

Fair Test

An investigation where only the independent variable is deliberately changed while all other important conditions are kept controlled.

Conclusion

An explanation of what the experimental evidence tells you, connecting the results back to the scientific question and hypothesis.

Thermometer

Laboratory equipment used for measuring temperature.

Graduated Cylinder

Laboratory equipment used for measuring liquid volume.

Triple-beam Balance

Laboratory equipment used for measuring the mass of an object.

Ruler

Laboratory equipment used for measuring length or distance.

Beaker

A wide laboratory container used for holding, mixing, or heating liquids.

Erlenmeyer Flask

A cone-shaped laboratory container used for mixing or holding liquids.

Test Tube

A small glass container used for holding or heating small amounts of substances.

Test Tube Rack

Laboratory equipment used for holding multiple test tubes upright.

Stopwatch

Laboratory equipment used for measuring time.

Electronic Balance

An electronic laboratory instrument used for measuring mass.

Pipette

Laboratory equipment used for transferring small amounts of liquid.

Funnel

A laboratory tool used to help transfer liquids or solids into containers with small openings.

Safety Goggles

Personal protective equipment worn to protect the eyes in a laboratory.

Microscope

An optical instrument used for magnifying small objects or specimens.

Petri Dish

A shallow container used for holding or growing samples.

Forceps

A handheld laboratory tool used for picking up or holding small objects.

Spatula

A laboratory tool used for moving small amounts of solid substances.

Bunsen Burner

A piece of laboratory equipment used as a heat source for heating substances.

X-axis

The horizontal axis on a graph where the independent variable is always placed.

Y-axis

The vertical axis on a graph where the dependent variable is always placed.

Line Graph

A graph display used for continuous data to show trends and relationships between two continuous variables.

Data Analysis

The process of looking for patterns, trends, and relationships in experimental measurements and observations.

Spill Protocol

The safety response required when an unknown liquid is spilled in the laboratory, requiring the student to report it to the teacher and follow directed procedures.

Experimental Reliability

The trustworthiness of experimental evidence, which requires repeating trials multiple times rather than relying on a single result.