Science 8 - Unit 1

observation

information observed by the 5 senses

inference

using observations to develop a logical conclusion

hypothesis

a prediction or guess based on prior knowledge, observations, and inferences

format of hypothesis

if_____, then_______ statement

constant/controlled variables

parts of the experiment that are NOT being tested and remain the same throughout the trials of the expirement

variables

a part of the experiment that is being tested, therefore it changes throughout the trials of the experiment

qualitative observations

observations using the 5 senses that are non-numerical

quantitative observations

observations using the 5 senses that are numerical

independent variable

the variable that is being changed/tested, does NOT depend on dependent variable

dependent variable

the part of the experiment that is being measured or observed, it depends on the independent variable

control group

is used to compare, does NOT receive treatment

problem

a scientific question that the experiment is based on

purpose

a scientific statement that the experiment is based on

qualities of a good valid experiment

clear, testable hypothesis, 1 independent variable, the rest of the variables must be constant, and a control group, document/report findings properly

claim

a statement that answers the original question

evidence

scientific data that supports the claim

reasoning

a justification that links the claim and evidence

x axis variable (dv or iv)

the independent variable goes on the x axis

y axis variable (dv or iv)

the dependent variable goes on the y axis

conclusion

answer to the question based on data obtained from the experiment, must include restatement of hypothesis and refer to results

scientific method steps in order

identify problem/question, research, hypothesis, design experiment, data collection/analysis, conclusion, retest, report findings

scientfic theory

a collection of ideas supported by a large amount of evidence explaining WHY something occured the way it did ex. newtons laws of motion

scientific law

a description of a consistent and natural relationship describing WHAT happened ex. law of conservation of energy

expiermental group

does receive the treatment, is tested