Unit 1 - Scientific Investigation Flashcards

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, the scientific method, experimental design, metric measurements, graphing techniques, and density calculations.

CER

A method scientists use to explain ideas clearly and communicate scientific concepts after completing a lab activity.

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 evidence to a claim using scientific principles, providing the why behind the evidence.

Scientific Method

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

Observation

The act of making careful observations of the world around us, often using special equipment.

Hypothesis

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

Variable

Anything that can change in an experiment.

Quantitative Variable

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

Qualitative Variable

A type of variable that deals with descriptions and can be observed but not measured, such as colors, textures, smells, or tastes.

Independent Variable (IV)

The factor in an experiment that is manipulated by the experimenter to affect the dependent variable.

Dependent Variable (DV)

The factor in an experiment that can change as a result of manipulating the independent variable.

Constants

The parts of an experiment that do not change and are kept the same throughout.

Control Group

The group in an experiment that is not given the experimental treatment.

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives the treatment or variable being tested.

Law

A general statement that describes a pattern seen in nature and holds true without exception.

Theory

A hypothesis that has been tested and supported many times, serving as a basis for explaining patterns in nature.

Metric System

The base-10 system of measurement used in science and in most countries around the world.

Line Graph

A type of graph used to show trends in a data set or relationships between two quantitative variables.

Bar Graph

A type of graph used to display counted data or represent data with one quantitative variable.

Pie Graph

A type of graph used to show percentages or portions of a whole.

Density

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

Mass

The amount of matter in a substance, measured in grams ($g$) for density calculations.

Volume

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

Density Formula

The mathematical formula expressed as $D = \frac{M}{V}$, where mass is measured in grams ($g$) and volume is measured in $mL$ or $cm^3$.

Stair Step Method (Metric Conversion)

A step diagram illustrating metric system prefixes from Kilo-, Hecto-, Deka-, Base Unit (grams, liters, meters), Deci-, Centi-, to Milli-.

Parts of a Graph

A diagram showing the layout of a graph including the Title, Y-Axis Label (Dependent Variable), X-Axis Label (Independent Variable), and evenly spaced scales starting at 0.

Density Triangle

A visual aid showing Mass ($M$) at the top with Density ($D$) and Volume ($V$) at the bottom, used to solve for $D = \frac{M}{V}$ or $M = D \times V$.

Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law

An infographic chart defining a hypothesis as a possible answer, a theory as a tested and supported hypothesis, and a law as a statement describing a natural pattern without exception.