Year 10 Science - Working Scientifically Skills Word List

Accuracy

The extent to which measurements are considered to be close to the true value.

Causal

Two variables with a relationship which indicates that one event is the result of the occurrence of the other event.

Controlled Variable

A variable that is kept constant (or changed in constant ways) during an investigation.

Data

Information that is collected, organised and analysed for various purposes. In the form of numbers, text, images or any other processable formats. Can be represented using tables, graphs and textual explanations.

Dependent

The factor in an experiment that changes in response to changes to the independent variable; conventionally plotted on the vertical (y) axis of a graph.

Error

The difference between an observed result and an expected or theoretical result. S ones are often due to limitations in equipment or procedure and will be consistently different from the expected result.

Extrapolation

Occurs when the fitted model such as a line of best fit is used to make predictions using values that are outside the range of the original data upon which the fitted model was based.

First-Hand (Data)

Information or data which has been directly observed or measured.

Hypothesis

A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.

Independent

The variable that is deliberately changed, often through a series of pre-set values.

Interpolation

Making predictions between known data values. For example, working between 2 known points on a graph to predict a value in between these points.

Investigate

Plan, inquire into and draw conclusions about.

Law 

A statement that describes a relationship or phenomena that does not change under the same conditions.

Model

A mathematical, conceptual or physical representation that describes, simplifies, clarifies or provides an explanation of the structure, workings or relationships within an object, system or idea. Models can provide a means of testing and predicting behaviour within limited conditions. Models may be physical or exist in digital form.

Precision

The extent to which repeated measurements of the same item are close to each other.

Qualitative

To use descriptive explanations involving features, characteristics or properties to identify important components. Data and information that is not numerical in nature.

Quantitative

Data or components that can be expressed or measured numerically, including chemical formulae or numbers.

Risk (Assessment)

The determination of quantitative or qualitative estimate of risk related to a well-defined situation and a recognised threat (also called hazard).

Secondary Sources / Information

Sources of information that have been collected, processed, interpreted and published by others, eg census data, newspaper articles and images or information in a published report.

Systematic Observations

Following a valid scientific method to carry out observations.

Theory

A formal explanation, based on evidence and reviewed by the scientific community. Predictions can be tested by comparing actual observations with the theory.

Validity

The extent to which the processes and resultant data measure what was intended.

Variable

A factor that can be changed, kept the same or measured in an investigation.