Nature of Science and Measurement Review

scientific theory

explanation of observations or events based on knowledge gained from observations or investigations

variable

a factor in an experiment that can have more than one value

Independent variable

the factor that we change or test in an experiment in order to observe its effects

Dependent variable

the factor that is measured or observed during an experiment

Constant

factors that we keep the same in an experiment

hypothesis

the possible explanation about an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations

conclusions

observations/inferences you can draw from the collected data

observations

facts that we observe using our senses

inference

logical explanations of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience

ethics

rules of conduct and moral princples

prediction

A statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events.

scientific law

a statement that summarizes a pattern found in nature that is always true

technology

the practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use

accuracy

how close a measured value is to the actual or true value

precision

a measure of how close a series of measurements are to one another

critical thinking

comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it

control group

contains the same factors as the experimental group, but the independent variable is not changed

experimental group

used to study how a change in the independent variable changes the dependent variable

qualitative data

words used to describe what is observed

quantitative data

numbers used to describe what is observed

Time

The measure of a passing interval from one event to another

Weight

The measure of the force of gravity on an object

Temperature

The measure of the kinetic energy it has

Mass

the amount of matter in an object

linear measurement

The distance from one point to another

Volume

The measure of how much space an object takes up

Metric unit for length

Meter (m)

Metric unit for mass

Kilogram (kg)

Metric unit for liquid volume

Liter (L)

Metric unit for temperature

Degrees Celsius

Metric unit for time

Second (s)

Metric unit for weight

Newton (N)

Unit for the volume of a regularly & irregularly shaped solid

Cubic centimeter (cm3)

Tool used to measure length

meter stick

Tool used to measure temperature

thermometer

Tool used to measure liquid volume

graduated cylinder

Tool used to measure mass

triple beam balance

Tool used to measure time

stopwatch

Tool used to measure weight

spring scale

experiment

An organized procedure to test your hypothesis.

independent variable

What is being tested or the variable that the scientist changes. Plotted on the X-axis of a graph

dependent variable

Variable effected by the independent variable. What is being measured. What is being observed. Plotted on the Y-axis of a graph

constant

All variable that stays the SAME. This allows for a fair test.

data

measurements and observations gathered from the experiment

controlled group

The normal group which does not contain the independent variable. This group is used to compare the results of the factor being tested

line graph

Used to show relationships between variables.

controlled experiment

an experiment where only one factor is being tested

Objective or Problem

The question that the experiment will answer.

science

A way of learning about the natural world

Science Advances

When new evidence occurs

Science can answer all questions

false, most

After you make an hypothesis,

you test it

Base units of the metric system are

meters, liters, grams