Scientific Investigation & the Scientific Method

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary related to scientific investigation and the scientific method, including key concepts such as hypotheses, variables, and the structure of scientific questioning.

Science

Asking a question, observing the world, and recording evidence.

Scientific Method

A step-by-step process that allows scientists to draw conclusions based on their experiments.

Hypothesis

An educated guess based on prior knowledge, often in an 'if…then…' format.

Variable

A factor that can affect the results of an experiment.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed on purpose in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment.

Control Variable

Variables that remain constant throughout an experiment to ensure fair testing.

Inference

An assumption or explanation based on past experiences and observations.

Testable Question

A scientific question that can be answered with observations.

Cause-and-Effect Question

Questions that compare two things and have two parts: cause and effect.