Fundamentals of Science (copy)

observation

The gathering of information through the five senses.

inference

The explanation for observations that are made.

microscope

An instrument that magnifies very small objects in order for scientists to see details.

prediction

A statement about what will happen next based on prior knowledge or evidence.

scientific theory

A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results.

scientific law

A rule that describes a pattern found in nature (ex. gravity, motion, etc).

hypothesis

A testable prediction or explanation that can be investigated through experimentation.

independent variable (IV)

A variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

dependent variable (DV)

A variable that is measured or observed in an experiment to assess the impact of the independent variable. It responds to changes made to the independent variable.

constants

Factors that remain unchanged throughout an experiment to ensure that the test results are valid.

bar graph

A type of graph that uses bars to compare different categories or groups of data.

line graph

A type of graph that shows change over time or distance.

circle/pie graph

A type of graph that represents parts of a whole or percentages.

quantitative

Data that is measured or expresses numerically.

qualitative

Data that is descriptive and is usually based on observations.