Science Fair Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards based on the Science Fair terminology list, covering scientific methods, experimental variables, data analysis, and reporting.

Scientific Method

A step-by-step process scientists use to ask questions, test ideas, collect data, and explain results.

Testable Question

A question that can be answered by doing an experiment.

Experiment

A test used to answer a scientific question.

Variable

Something in an experiment that can change.

Independent Variable

The one thing you change on purpose in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The thing you measure or observe in an experiment.

Controlled Variables

The things you keep the same to make the experiment fair.

Constants

Another name for controlled variables, or the things that stay the same.

Fair Test

An experiment where only one variable is changed and everything else is kept the same.

Hypothesis

An educated guess or prediction about what will happen in an experiment.

Prediction

What you think will happen before you do the experiment.

If… Then… Because Statement

A way to write a hypothesis that explains what you will change, what you think will happen, and why.

Materials

The supplies and tools needed to complete an experiment.

Procedure

The step-by-step directions for completing an experiment.

Step

One action in the procedure.

Trial

One test or repeated attempt in an experiment.

Repeatable

When an experiment has clear steps so someone else could do it again.

Data

Information collected during an experiment.

Observation

Something you notice using your senses or tools.

Measurement

A number that shows size, length, time, temperature, weight, or amount.

Unit

The label used with a measurement, such as centimeters, seconds, grams, or degrees.

Data Table

A chart used to organize measurements or observations.

Graph

A picture of data that helps show patterns or comparisons.

Bar Graph

A graph used to compare different groups or categories.

Line Graph

A graph used to show change over time or a trend.

$X$-Axis

The horizontal line on a graph, usually showing the independent variable.

$Y$-Axis

The vertical line on a graph, usually showing the dependent variable.

Average

A number found by adding values together and dividing by how many values there are.

Pattern

Something in the data that repeats or shows a connection.

Trend

The general direction data moves, such as increasing or decreasing.

Results

A summary of what happened in the experiment.

Conclusion

The part of a science fair project where you explain what you learned and whether your hypothesis was correct.

Evidence

Data or observations used to support an answer or conclusion.

Supported Hypothesis

When the data shows that your prediction was correct.

Not Supported Hypothesis

When the data shows that your prediction was not correct.

Application

How the results of the experiment can be used in real life.

Real-World Connection

How a science project connects to everyday life or solves a real problem.

Research

Information gathered before or during a project to better understand the topic.

Source

A book, website, article, video, or person that gives information.

Bibliography

A list of sources used for a project.

Claim

A statement that answers the question or explains what happened.

Reasoning

The explanation of why the evidence supports the claim.

Accuracy

How close a measurement or result is to the correct value.

Safety

Rules and actions that help keep people safe during an experiment.