Comprehensive Study Notes on Essential Learning Vocabulary and the Nature of Science

Coursework Information

• Student: Khloe Evans
• Class Period / Context: 3rd hr / Space class / Ellie
• Course Material: Chapter 1, Section 1 - The Nature of Science
• Dates Recorded: 8/11/26 and 8/12/26

Core Academic Vocabulary for Science and Learning

• Analyze

  • Definition: Break apart
  • Examine
  • Question
  • Explore

• Compare

  • Definition: Identify all the ways items or concepts are alike
  • Put side by side

• Contrast

  • Definition: Identify all the ways items or concepts are different
  • Put side by side

• Describe

  • Definition: Tell about

• Explain

  • Definition: Tell how
  • Clarify
  • Put in words

• Illustrate

  • Provide visual or concrete examples and clarification

• Evaluate

  • Definition: Judge
  • Consider
  • Assess

• Formulate

  • Definition: Create or put together
  • Plan
  • Prepare

• Infer

  • Definition: Read between the lines
  • Suppose
  • Conclude

• Interpret

  • Definition: Understand
  • Figure out
  • Reason
  • Provide an explanation

• Predict

  • Definition: Determine what will happen next
  • Expect

• Trace

  • Definition: List in steps
  • Map out
  • Outline

• Represent

  • Definition: Stand for
  • Symbolize
  • Mean
  • Signify

• Summarize

  • Definition: Give the short version
  • Review

• Support

  • Definition: Back up with details

Definition and Foundational Concepts of Science

• Definition of Science:

  • Science is the knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in order to discover facts and formulate laws or principles that can be verified or tested.

• How Science Takes Place:

  • Scientists systematically conduct investigations.
  • Scientists meticulously plan experiments.
  • Scientists continuously make detailed observations.
  • Scientists always test and re-test their results.

Branches of Natural Science

• Natural Science is divided into several main branches:
  • Biological Science: The science of living things.
  • Physical Science: The science of matter and energy, which includes:
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Earth Science: The science of the Earth, the atmosphere, and weather.

Science, Technology, and Engineering Interplay

• Interaction:

  • Science and technology work together side-by-side.

• Pure Science:

  • Defined as the continuing search for scientific knowledge.

• Applied Science:

  • Defined as the search for ways to use scientific knowledge for practical applications.
  • Practiced by both scientists and engineers.

• Technology:

  • The application of science for practical purposes.

The Scientific Method and Process of Investigation

• Step 1: Scientific Observation and Inquiry

  • Science begins with an observation where someone sees something and wonders about it.
  • Questions asked include: where, why, when, how, and what if.
  • Scientists are inherently curious.
  • Question Formulation:
  • Develop a specific question that can be answered through scientific investigation.
  • The question needs to be measurable.

• Step 2: Background Research

  • Scientists conduct background research to find out all they can about their specific question.
  • Research sources include:
  • Libraries
  • Magazines
  • Internet
  • Newspapers
  • Talking directly to other scientists

• Step 3: Forming a Hypothesis

  • Scientists synthesize their background research and prior knowledge to make an educated guess that might answer their question.
  • An educated guess designed to answer the initial question is defined as a hypothesis.

• Step 4: Planning and Executing an Experiment

  • Scientists plan a controlled experiment specifically to test the hypothesis.
  • Variable Control:
  • Change only one variable at a time.
  • Keep all other variables exactly the same as before.
  • Experimental outcome and results should be repeatable.

• Step 5: Observing, Data Collection, and Analysis

  • Scientists collect all information discovered during the course of the experiment.
  • Data Recording Methods:
  • Charts
  • Graphs
  • Notes
  • Drawings
  • Journals
  • Data Evaluation:
  • Describe all new information gained from the investigation.
  • Analyze the new information specifically for unexpected surprises, environmental factors, or errors.
  • Formulate new questions based upon the newly acquired information.

• Step 6: Testing and Communicating Results

  • Repeatability Standard:
  • Experimental results must be repeatable with the same outcome every time.
  • Methods of Scientific Communication:
  • A final written report
  • Articles in a scientific journal
  • A school poster display
  • A science fair display
  • Published articles in a magazine

Scientific Laws and Theories

• Scientific Laws and Theories:

  • Both laws and theories must be supported by experimental results.
  • Scientific theories are subject to ongoing questioning, testing, and examination.

• Validity Criteria for Scientific Theories:

  • To be considered valid, a scientific theory must meet three mandatory criteria:
  1. It must explain observations.
  2. It must be repeatable.
  3. It must be predictable.