Unit 1 - Scientific Investigation Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Unit 1 - Scientific Investigation lecture slides covering Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, the Scientific Method, Experimental Design, Measurement, Graphing, and Density.

CER

A method scientists use to explain ideas clearly and communicate scientific concepts, consisting of Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning.

Claim

A one-sentence statement or conclusion about the results of an investigation or lab that answers the question investigated.

Evidence

Scientific data or observations, including measurements and multiple trials, that support a claim.

Reasoning

The explanation that connects scientific evidence to a claim using scientific principles, providing the justification for why the data supports the claim.

Scientific Method

A planned, organized, and logical approach to solving a problem and gaining information about the world.

Observation

Careful examination of the world around us made by scientists, often utilizing specialized equipment.

Hypothesis

A prediction of what the answer to a testable question may be, based upon previously gathered knowledge.

Controlled Experiment

An experimental procedure designed and conducted to test a hypothesis while collecting data.

Variable

Anything that can change within an experiment.

Quantitative Variable

A variable that deals with numbers and can be measured, such as height, volume, weight, speed, or temperature.

Qualitative Variable

A variable that deals with descriptions and observable characteristics rather than numerical measurements, such as color, texture, or smell.

Independent Variable

The factor in an experiment that is directly manipulated or changed by the experimenter.

Dependent Variable

The factor in an experiment that changes or responds as a result of changes made to the independent variable.

Constants

The conditions or factors in an experiment that are kept identical and do not change.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the experimental treatment and serves as a basis for comparison.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that is given the treatment or varying amounts of the factor being tested.

Trial

A single repetition of an entire experimental procedure, with at least $3$ to $5$ trials recommended for reliable results.

Scientific Law

A statement that describes how the natural world behaves under specified conditions with no exceptions ever found; it describes what happens.

Scientific Theory

An explanation for a natural phenomenon based on observation and experimentation that has been tested and confirmed; it explains why something happens.

Stair Step Method

A method used for converting units within the metric system, moving between prefixes such as kilo-, hecto-, deka-, base units, deci-, centi-, and milli-.

Meniscus

The curved upper surface of a liquid in a tube or graduated cylinder, which must be read at eye level to obtain accurate measurements.

Discrete Data

Data that belongs to distinct groups or categories, or is counted in whole numbers with no intermediate values.

Continuous Data

Data measured using standard measurement scales that can take any value within a continuous range and be divided into equal intervals.

Parts of a Graph

Essential components of a scientific graph, including a descriptive title, independent variable on the x-axis, dependent variable on the y-axis, axis labels, and evenly spaced scales.

Bar Graph vs. Histogram

Bar graphs display discrete categorical data with gaps between bars, whereas histograms display continuous data divided into numerical ranges without gaps between bars.

Density

The amount of matter in a given space, describing how tightly packed matter is within an object.

Mass

The amount of matter in a substance, measured in grams ($\text{g}$).

Volume

The amount of space an object occupies, measured in milliliters ($\text{mL}$) or cubic centimeters ($\text{cm}^3$).

Density Formula

The formula $\text{D} = \frac{\text{M}}{\text{V}}$, where density ($\text{D}$) equals mass ($\text{M}$) divided by volume ($\text{V}$), expressed in units of $\text{g/mL}$ or $\text{g/cm}^3$.