UNIT 1: Scientific Investigation

Absolute Zero

The theoretical temperature where molecules stop moving completely.

Accuracy

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

Background Information

Definitions of key words and explanations of key concepts.

Background Research

Looking at past scientists' findings to predict what will happen in an experiment.

Bar graph

Presents data as rectangles of different heights representing categories.

Beaker

A glass cup with a spout for pouring, used for rough volume measurements.

Biological waste

Waste including blood, mold, dead animals, or contaminated objects.

Biology

Another name for Life Science, the study of all living things.

Bunsen burner

A gas-fed open flame used for heating, ignited by an adult.

Celsius

An SI-derived unit commonly used to measure temperature.

Chemistry

A branch of Physical Science that studies matter and how it transforms.

Circle graph

Shows parts of a whole as slices of a pie chart.

Compund microscope

A microscope with two lenses for powerful magnification of specimens.

Computer Model

A simulation, like changing weather patterns or 3-D simulations.

Conclusion

The findings of your scientific investigation.

Constant

A variable in an experiment that remains the same.

Constraints

Restrictions or limitations that may affect an engineering design.

Control

A trial where all variables are held constant for comparison.

Corrosive chemical waste

Highly damaging chemicals such as acids, bases, and old batteries.

Data

Specific and detailed information collected during an experiment.

Density

The amount of matter in a given volume.

Dependent variable

The variable influenced by the independent variable; the experiment's results.

Design Specs

Requirements an engineer must fulfill in their design.

Design Statement

Defines what it means to solve a particular problem in engineering.

Double pan balance

Compares weights of objects in two pans to determine equal mass.

Earth Science

Deals with Earth and space, studying nonliving things and their history.

Electronic balance

An easy tool to measure mass by placing an object on a pan.

Engineering

Science studying design, building, and use of machines and structures to solve problems.

Engineering Design Process

A system engineers use to solve problems through invention, design, and innovation.

Estimation

A rough guess of a measurement using reason and observation.

Eyewash

Station or fountain used to rinse eyes if chemicals splash into them.

Fahrenheit

A common unit used in the U.S. to measure temperature.

Fire blanket

Used to smother small fires on people or surfaces.

Flammable waste

Materials that can easily catch fire, like gasoline or solvents.

Flask

Similar to a beaker but with a narrower mouth, can be stoppered.

Funnel

Used to help pour liquids cleanly from one container to another.

Goggles

Protective eyewear worn to shield eyes from chemical splashes or objects.

Graduated cylinder

A cylinder marked to indicate fluid volume, read at eye level.

Graph

Makes data easier to see and understand visually.

Hazardous waste

Waste that poses danger due to toxicity, flammability, or corrosiveness.

Hot plate

A stovetop-like device used for heating, controlled by a dial.

Hypothesis

A prediction or proposed explanation that can be tested.

Independent variable

The variable that you change on purpose in an experiment.

Infer

To use observations and facts to reach a conclusion not directly witnessed.

Kelvin

The SI unit for temperature; does not use a degree symbol.

Lab Report

A document communicating an experiment and its findings to others.

Lab safety

Thinking before acting to prevent accidents and ensure a safe environment.

Law

A rule describing what happens in nature under certain conditions, not necessarily why.

Length

The distance between two points.

Life Science

The study of all living things, like plants, animals, and single-cell organisms.

Line graph

Shows the relationship between two variables, often over time.

Line of best fit

A line on a scatter plot that best describes the relationship of points.

Mass

The amount of matter in a liquid, solid, or gas.

Materials and Equipment

A list of items necessary to carry out an experiment.

Mathematical Model

An equation or prediction using past data, like the equation of a line.

Measurement

Has both a number and a unit, like 3 feet or 45 minutes.

Meniscus

The curved surface of a liquid in a tube, read at the bottom.

Meterstick

A tool for measuring length, similar to a ruler but 1 meter long.

Microscope

An instrument used to see very small objects up close.

Model

A representation of something too small, big, or expensive to observe directly.

Observation

Using senses or scientific instruments to describe an event or thing.

Physical Model

A representation of something that can be touched, like a globe or diorama.

Physical Science

Studies matter and energy, the most basic building blocks of the universe.

Physics

A branch of Physical Science that studies energy interacting with matter.

Precision

How consistent and exact measurements are.

Procedure

A detailed list of steps needed to conduct an experiment.

Prototype

A preliminary model or first draft of a solution that can be adjusted.

Purpose

The question an experiment is trying to answer or the goal.

Qualitative

Information based on the qualities or characteristics of something.

Quantitative

Information or data based on countable measurements of something.

Question

A scientific inquiry begins with a question about the world.

Ring stand

Used to hold beakers, flasks, or test tubes, often during heating.

Rounding Numbers

Giving a number a nearby value, simplifying calculations.

Scatter plot

Shows the relationship between two sets of data as ordered pairs.

Scientific Inquiry

The process used by scientists to research a question about the world.

Scientific Method

Another term for scientific inquiry, the process scientists use to find answers.

Sharp objects and glassware

Broken glass or sharp items like needles or blades requiring careful disposal.

Shower

Used to rinse skin and clothing for 15 minutes if chemicals spill.

SI Prefix

A symbol that multiplies a base SI unit by a power of 10.

SI System

International System of measurement with base units for quantities.

SI Unit

A standard unit of measurement within the International System.

SI Unit Conversion

Changing between SI units by adjusting decimal points based on prefixes.

Slide

A flat piece of glass used to hold specimens for microscopic examination.

Table

Organizes data in rows and columns for quick reading and comparison.

Tape measure

Used for measuring distances that are difficult for other tools.

Temperature

A measure of how hot or cold something is.

Test tube

A long, rounded-bottom glass tube used to hold or heat small amounts.

Theory

An explanation of why something happens, based on extensive testing and observation.

Thermometer

A tool used to measure temperature, can be digital or liquid-filled.

Time

The period between events, or how long something lasted.

Toxic waste

Anything poisonous, such as chemicals or certain cleaning materials.

Trial

A single run of an experiment, often repeated for accuracy.

Triple beam balance

Measures mass using a pan and three beams with sliding riders.

Trundle wheel

A tool for measuring long distances by rolling it on the ground.

Unbiased

Having no special interest in the outcome of an experiment.

Variable

A factor that can alter an experiment's results.

Volume

The amount of space something occupies.

Wafting

A safe method to smell chemicals by fanning vapors towards your nose.

Weight

The force exerted by a mass, relying on gravity.