Topic 3.2 vocab quiz

Scientific investigation

The process used to answer questions through observations and/or experimentation

Scientific inquiry

A systematic process of asking questions gathering evidence, and forming explanations about the natural world

Discussion

The limitations and implications of an investigation

Background research

The step in which what is already know about the question is gathered and understood

Procedure

The steps taken to actually carry out the investigation

Hypothesis

A prediction of what we answer to the question will be

Scientific question

A question that can be answered using the scientific method

Conclusion

The claim the data allows us to make

Independent variable

The factor that is manipulated or changed in order to see the effects on the outcome

Data

The measurements or observations taken in an investigation in order to answer the question

Dependent variable

The factor that is measured or observed in order to determine the outcome or answer the question

Control variable

The factors that are kept the same in order to isolate one cause of change

Initial observation

The source of the question

Experimental group

The group of participates exposed to the variable being tested

Descriptive investigations

Use careful observations and measurements to develop descriptive findings about an organism, substance, reaction, or natural process

Comparative investigation

Involves collecting data on different organisms/objects/feature or collecting data over different conditions to make comparisons

Experimental investigations

Involve a process in which a “fair test” is designed and variables are actively manipulated, controlled, and measured in an effort to gather evidence to support or refute a casual relationship

Leverage point

A place in a system that we can act to effect change

Immediate action

Undertake a local action to address the problem or raise resources for an organization focused on providing relief

Service learning

Collaborate with a local organization that is already taking action to address or solve the problem

Advocacy

Launch a call to action campaign to motivate others, such as law makers or other in positions of power to take specific action to solve the problem

Education/Awareness campaign

Educate others and raise awareness about the problem while suggesting what people could do that would be solutionary

Invention/intervention

Develop an innovative device or intervention to prevent, mitigate, or solve the problem

Mogo principle

Most good, least harm

Root cause

Addresses the foundations of the problem

Feasibility

How possible and appropriate something is