NOS Scientific Method - 6th grade

Scientific method

1.organized set of problem solving procedures from asking a question to making a conclusion regarding the hypothesis.

Observation

the process of gathering information via the senses. Ex: counting, reading a thermometer, seeing and listening to vibrations

Hypothesis

educated guess using what you know and observe to predict the outcome of an experiment.

Variable

a factor that can cause a change in the results of an experiment.

Independent variable

a factor that, as it changes, affects the measure of another variable; it's always plotted on the horizontal/X axis.

Dependent variable

a factor that changes because of changes in other variables; it's always plotted on the vertical/Y axis.

Control group

a standard used for comparison of test results that helps to ensure that the experimental result is caused by the condition being tested.

Constants

variables that remain the same throughout an experiment. Ex: same amount of water on each plant

Scientific error

an element of an experiment that skews & potentially flaws the results of an experiment. Ex: improper counting

Qualitative data

descriptive results of an experiment dealing with appearance, texture, & color that is used for analysis purposes. Ex: round, red balloons

Quantitative data

numerical results of an experiment dealing with dimensions, temperature readings, & times that are used for analysis purposes. Ex: 99 balloons

Bias

preconception in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. Ex: a scale that rests at .5g when empty.

Model

a physical representation of an idea or object that is too small or too big to observe directly. Ex: DNA model, solar system model, globe

Technology

any tool that is the product of scientific research. Ex: hammer, lightbulb, computer.

Theory

an explanation of events that is based on repeated scientific observations and experiments. Ex: Theory of evolution

Law

a rule or principle that describes what happens in nature. Ex: Law of gravity

SI

International System of Units - universally accepted version of the metric system; based on multiples of 10

Kelvin

SI unit of temperature

K = C + 273