Practical Skills

Independent Variable

The single factor that you deliberately change or manipulate during an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The factor that you measure or observe to see how it responds to changes.

Control Variable

A factor that must be kept constant throughout an experiment to ensure a fair test.

Precise

How close a series of measurements are to each other.

Accuracy

How close a measured value is to the true or actual value.

Repeatable

An experiment is repeatable if the same person gets the same results using the exact same method and equipment.

Reproducible

An experiment is reproducible if another person gets the same results using a different method or equipment.

Hazard

Anything in a practical setup that has the potential to cause harm or damage (e.g., a hot Bunsen burner or spilled glass).

Risk

The chance or likelihood that a hazard will actually cause harm, combined with how severe that harm could be.