Understanding the Nature of Science and Its Methods

Science

Investigation of natural events and information.

Importance of Science

Answers questions and leads to new technologies.

Scientific Observations

Noticing and describing events systematically.

Skepticism in Science

Questioning claims based on data support.

Hypothesis

An 'If..., then...' statement predicting outcomes.

Independent Variable

Factor changed by the scientist in experiments.

Dependent Variable

Factor measured in response to changes.

Control Group

Does not receive the experimental variable.

Experimental Group

Receives the variable being tested.

Quantitative Data

Measurable data like time or length.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive data like personal experiences.

Scientific Theory

Explanation based on observations and investigations.

Scientific Law

Describes a pattern always true in nature.

Ethics in Science

Doing the right thing in experiments.

Bias

Prejudice affecting scientific investigations.

Critical Thinking

Comparing known information with new data.

Isaac Newton

Scientist whose apple observation led to gravity.

Theory of Evolution

Scientific theory explaining biological change over time.

Law of Gravitational Pull

Scientific law describing gravitational attraction.

Lab Safety

Use protective equipment and handle tools properly.

Scientific Tools

Instruments for measuring and observing in experiments.

Data Analysis

Collecting and interpreting data using graphs.

Retesting

Confirming results by repeating experiments.