Year Seven Working Scientifically yearly pratice

Science

The study of the natural world through observation and experimentation.

Observation

Information gathered using the senses or scientific instruments.

Inference

An interpretation or explanation based on observations and prior knowledge.

Qualitative data

Descriptive information that is not expressed as a number, such as colour or texture.

Quantitative data

Numerical information obtained by counting or measuring, usually recorded with units.

Hypothesis

A testable proposed explanation for an observation or question.

Independent variable

The factor deliberately changed in an experiment.

Dependent variable

The factor measured or observed to see how it responds to the independent variable.

Controlled variable

A factor kept the same so it does not affect the results.

Fair test

An investigation where only the independent variable is changed, while other relevant variables are controlled.

Accuracy

How close a measurement is to the true or accepted value.

Reliability

How consistent results are when an experiment is repeated.

Validity

How well an experiment tests the question it was designed to investigate.

Random error

An unpredictable variation in measurements that can make results differ between trials.

Systematic error

A consistent error that shifts measurements in the same direction, often due to faulty equipment or a measurement method.

Outlier

A result that is unusually different from the other results in a dataset.

Bunsen burner: collar

The rotating part that opens or closes the air hole to adjust the flame.

Bunsen burner: air hole

The opening that lets air mix with gas before burning.

Bunsen burner: barrel

The upright tube where gas and air mix before reaching the flame.

Yellow flame

A luminous, cooler flame made when the air hole is closed; used when heating is not required.

Blue flame

A hotter, non-luminous flame made when the air hole is open; used for heating.

Conical flask

A flask with a wide base and narrow neck, useful for swirling liquids with less risk of spilling.

Measuring cylinder

Graduated equipment used to measure liquid volume more accurately than a beaker.

Evaporating basin

A heat-resistant dish used to evaporate liquid and leave dissolved solids behind.

Retort stand, boss head, and clamp

The stand provides support; the boss head attaches the clamp to the stand; the clamp holds equipment in place.