The Nature of Science

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the nature of science, including definitions, types of scientific inquiry, and important historical references.

What is Science?

The study and knowledge of the natural world.

Life Science

The study of living organisms, also known as Biology.

Physical Science

The study of matter and energy, including physics and chemistry.

Earth Science

The study of the Earth’s interior and surface, including geology and meteorology.

Empirical Evidence

Scientific evidence that is measured and observed through the senses.

Scientific Method

A process that utilizes observations and measurements to explain phenomena in the natural world.

Hypothesis

A tentative explanation or prediction that can be tested through experimentation.

Independent Variable (IDV)

The factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor that is measured or observed in response to changes in the independent variable.

Constant Variable (CV)

Factors that remain unchanged throughout an experiment.

Pseudoscience

Beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific methods.

Critical Thinking

The ability to analyze information, ask questions, and make reasoned judgments.

Scientific Theory

A well-substantiated explanation of a natural phenomenon based on facts, hypotheses, and laws.

Data

Information gathered by observation or experimentation.

Experiment

An organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions.

Fieldwork

Observational research conducted in a natural environment rather than a controlled setting.

Continental Drift

The hypothesis that continents have moved across the Earth's surface over geological time.

Graphing Data

Representing data visually to show relationships between independent and dependent variables.

Bar Graph

A graphical display used to compare different categories of data.

Circle Graph (Pie Chart)

A graphical representation showing how each group of data contributes to the whole (100%).

Model

A representation of real-world occurrences to explain, predict, or understand phenomena.

Technology

The use of scientific knowledge for practical applications in everyday life.

Engineering

The application of math and science to solve real-life problems and create solutions.

Tradeoff

The decision to exchange one benefit for another in engineering or design.

Jonas Salk

The scientist who developed the first effective polio vaccine in the 1950s.

Polio Virus

A contagious viral infection that can result in paralysis and muscle weakness.

Scientific Community

A group of scientists who share knowledge and collaborate on research.

ISS (International Space Station)

A symbol of global cooperation in scientific research and innovation.