Bio- Basics C1

Science

A particular way of knowing about the world and the advancement of knowledge.

Fact

An objective, verifiable observation (e.g., Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius).

Principle

A statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes an aspect of the world (e.g., Greenhouse effect).

Law

A broad concept or principle that describes patterns in nature, often accepted as facts (e.g., Newton’s laws of motion).

Theory

A broad concept or principle that describes patterns in nature, often accepted as facts (e.g., Law of Conservation of Mass).

Qualitative

Describes qualities (e.g., green shirt, green ground).

Quantitative

Uses numbers to measure something (e.g., 6 inches, 4 miles).

Constants

The aspects of an experiment that are held constant/consistent.

Control Group

The group used for comparison with experimental groups; the “normal” group.

Experimental Group

The groups that are being tested in an experiment.

Technology

The advancement of society through the application of scientific discoveries to meet human needs and goals.

Engineering

The application of scientific and mathematical principles to solve problems.

Hypothesis

A testable prediction based on observations that describes a cause and effect relationship between variables (e.g., If blank then blank).

IV (Independent Variable)

What the experimenter will deliberately change or manipulate in the investigation (X axis).

DV (Dependent Variable)

What the experimenter will measure in the investigation (Y axis).

IV, DV, & Hypothesis Relationship

If (IV), then (DV).

Observation

A description of something you can see, smell, touch, taste, or hear; must be objective (e.g., the ground is wet).

Inference

A guess about an object or outcome based on observations (e.g., It rained).

Accuracy

How close your measurement is to the correct/accepted value (e.g., Correct).

Precision

How close your measurements are to each other (e.g., consistent).

Importance of Accuracy and Precision

Both are needed for correct and conclusive research; without them, results may be unreliable.

General Steps to Conducting an Experiment

Guiding questions, find IV, DV, constants, experimental control, process, material list, test, graph, analyze, conclude.

Investigation Example

A specific example illustrating IV, DV, constants, experimental, and control groups.

Technological Design Process

Criteria to be considered when designing a solution.

I CAN Statements

Skills related to making measurements, organizing data, analyzing data, and identifying variables in scientific investigations.