Scientific Method

qualitative observation

a way to gather information by using your five senses to describe the qualities or characteristics of something without using numbers, scales, or measurements. Example: The leaf is bright green with a smooth, glossy surface.

quantitative observation

a collection of data which is focused on numbers and values. Example: the temperature is 75 degrees.

Scientific Method

is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions.

hypothesis

an educated guess that researchers make to answer a specific scientific question.

independent variable

the cause or the part of an experiment that you change or control

dependent variable

the factor that you measure or test in an experiment. It changes because of the independent variable.

control variable

Any factor kept the same so it does not affect the test.

theory

: A well-tested explanation backed by a large body of evidence. It is used to make predictions and can be modified with new information.

inference

A logical conclusion drawn from observations and evidence. Can be based on prior knowledge.