Fact
an objective, verifiable observation
Principle
A statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes an aspect of the world
Law
Board concept or principle (the HOW); Describes patterns in nature; Often accepted as facts
Theory
An explanation of an observed phenomenon; Organizes facts and research from scientists to explain WHY; NEVER becomes a fact or law
Observation
Description of something you can see, smell, touch, taste, hear; NOT an opinion
Inference
A guess about an object or outcome based on your observations
Qualitative Observation
describes qualities
Quantitative Observation
uses numbers to measure something
Precise
(Quantitative) how close your measurements are to each other; data is constant and specific
Accurate
(Quantitative) how close your measurement is to the correct/accepted value
Purpose/Objective
a statement that clearly shows that question you are trying to answer
Hypothesis
A testable prediction based on observations (more than a guess) that describes a cause and effect relationship between variables
Independent Variable
cause; what the experimenter will deliberately change or manipulate in the investigation
Dependent Variable
effect; what changes in response
Experimental Group(s)
groups that are being tested
Control Group
group used for comparison with your experimental groups.
Constants
the aspects of an experiment that are held constant/consistant; Ensures that allaspects of trials are identical, except fot the IV; Ensures that any diifeerence measured in the DV is caused only by the IV
Science
leads to the advancement of knowledge
Technology
leads to the advancement of society
Engineering
applies scientific and mathematic principles to solve problems (science + technology field)