Nature of Science and Variables

Natural Phenomena

an observable event or physical process that is not created by humans

Scientific Method

a method of investigation in which a problem is first identified and observations, experiments, or other relevant data are then used to construct or test hypotheses that purport to solve it

Observation

the active gathering of information from a primary source using the human senses or scientific instruments

Inference

a conclusion based on data, evidence, and observations

Qualitative

information, data, and evidence that describe the characteristics, properties, or types of a phenomenon rather than its numerical amount

Quantitative

information, data, and observations that uses numbers

Constraints

a limitation, restraint, or boundary condition that restricts the possible behaviors, configurations, or solutions of a system

Variable

any factor, trait, or condition that can change or be controlled in an experiment

Independent Variable

the factor that changes

Dependent Variable

the factor that’s measured

Controlled Variables

a factor that’s not changed

Hypothesis

an educated guess not using “I think”

Experiment

a test used in science to figure out a question or hypothesis

Fair Test

a scientific experiment where you change only one variable while keeping all other conditions exactly the same

Inquiry Question

a testable question that guides an investigation about how the natural world works

Attraction

a natural force or quality that pulls objects, particles, or individuals toward one another

Cohesion

the attractive force that causes molecules of the same substance to stick to one another

Surface Tension

the physical property of a liquid’s surface that allows it to resist an external force and behave like a stretched elastic film