Grade 7 Unit 1-The Practice Of Science A and B

Grade 7 Unit 1-The Practice Of Science A and B

conclusion

A summary based on evidence or facts

control group

the group that does not receive the experimental treatment.

controlled variables (constants)

things that should NOT change during an experiment

data

Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations.

empirical evidence

scientific evidence obtained by careful observation and experimentation

experiment

A research method in which an investigator manipulates one or more variables to observe the effect

hypothesis

a proposed explanation made on the basis of existing evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

observation

Information obtained through the senses in a careful, orderly way

outcome variable (dependent)

factor being measured or observed in an experiment; factor that responds to, or depends on, other factors.

repetition

Using multiple trials within the same experiment to add credibility to the data gathered

replication

Reproducing another scientist's investigation in order to verify the results.

scientific method

A logical, systematic approach to the solution of a scientific problem

systematic observations

Observations obtained by following a preplanned method of observation.

test variable (independent)

The variable manipulated by the experimenter in order to study changes in the outcome variable.

testable

a hypothesis is testable if it can be supported or rejected by carefully designed experiments or observational studies

trials

Multiple sets of measurements or observations in a scientific investigation.

valid

Based on evidence and corresponds accurately to the real world.

variable

A factor that can change in an experiment

bias

A particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific.

scientific explanation

A generalization that makes sense of observations by using logical reasoning

support

Back up with details, data, and/or observations

vary

change

investigation

the action of investigating a phenomenon; formal or systematic examination or research.

model

A representation of an object or event

analyze

examine data or observations methodically in detail in order to explain or interpret.

classify

arrange (organisms or things) in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics.

inference

A logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience.

objectivity

personal neutrality in conducting research

predict

Give an expected result.

pseudoscientific

is a claim, belief or practice which is incorrectly presented as scientific, but does not adhere to a valid scientific method, cannot be reliably tested, or otherwise lacks scientific status

scientist

A person who uses the scientific method to discover new knowledge.

sense

touch, smell, feel, taste, hear

subjectivity

Decisions based on personal feelings rather than facts

compare

A type of thinking. To examine the similarities and/or differences.

conduct

organize and carry out

credibility

the quality of being trusted and accepted as fact

defend

to uphold or maintain a claim with supporting evidence

differentiate

Distinguish, tell apart, and recognize differences between two or more items.

ethics

the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions

falsifications

misrepresenting facts or evidence

interpret

to explain the meaning of data or observations

logical reasoning

building an argument that is based on reasons supported by evidence

opinion

A belief or view about something

skepticism

a mindset where explanations are questioned and accepted only with supporting evidence

trend

a pattern of change over time