Nature of Science - Vocabulary Flashcards

Concepts/Skills

  • Be able to make predictions from analyzing data from a chart, table or graph.
  • Be able to identify and interpret the results/conclusion of an experiment from a chart, table or graph.
  • Be able to identify the independent variables, dependent variables and the experimental group from a chart, table or graph.
  • Be able to explain how bias can negatively affect an experiment or scientific investigation.
  • Be able to organize data from an experiment into a chart, table, or graph, and interpret it.
  • Analyze data with respect to hypothesis and draw an appropriate conclusion.
  • Be able to select the most appropriate hypothesis and identify variables when given the description of a scientific investigation.
  • Be able to explain the difference between a theory vs law and theory vs hypothesis.
  • Describe the components to the scientific method.
  • Be able to explain how scientists communicate the results of a scientific experiment/investigation to ensure accuracy.

Learning Objectives – Key Points

1) In your own words explain what a theory and a law are.

  • A theory is a well-supported explanation of natural phenomena that can explain a wide range of observations and make testable predictions.
  • A law describes a consistent, universal relationship or rule in nature that is supported by extensive empirical data and observations.

2) How is scientific theory and scientific law similar?

  • Both are based on evidence gathered from observations and experiments.
  • Both are testable and subject to revision with new evidence.
  • Both represent robust understanding of natural phenomena, but neither is merely a guess.

3) Explain why a theory can never become a law and vice versa?

  • A theory explains why phenomena occur; a law describes what happens under certain conditions. Theories explain mechanisms behind observations; laws describe consistent relationships. They occupy different roles and cannot simply transform into one another.

4) Give an example of hypothesis in the correct format.

  • General format: If the independent variable changes, then the dependent variable will change, because [rationale].
  • Example:
    \text{Hypothesis: If sunlight exposure (IV) increases, then plant height (DV) will increase, because photosynthesis rate increases with more light.}

5) In your own words, explain how you can identify the independent and dependent variable in a written experiment.

  • Independent variable (IV): the variable you deliberately change or manipulate.
  • Dependent variable (DV): the outcome you measure.
  • The description will indicate what is deliberately altered (IV) and what is measured as the result (DV).

6) Explain how you can identify the independent and dependent variable in a graph.

  • IV is typically plotted on the x-axis (horizontal axis).
  • DV is plotted on the y-axis (vertical axis).
  • Look for labels like "IV" and "DV" or descriptions showing cause (x) and effect (y).

7) What is the difference between observation and inference?

  • Observation: information gathered using senses or instruments (data or facts).
  • Inference: a conclusion or interpretation drawn from observations.

8) Explain how bias can affect an investigation or an experiment.

  • Bias can skew data collection, measurement, sampling, or interpretation, leading to inaccurate conclusions or overgeneralization. It can affect objectivity and reproducibility.

9) Why is a peer review an important component to the scientific method?

  • Peer review provides validation, replication checks, and critique from other experts, increasing reliability and credibility of results.

10) Why are repeated trials necessary in a scientific experiment/investigation?

  • Repetition reduces random error, increases precision, and helps establish reliability and reproducibility of results.

11) What variables should be held constant during an investigation?

  • All variables other than the independent variable that could influence the outcome should be kept the same (constants/controlled variables).

12) List the general steps in designing and conducting an experiment and briefly explain what the scientist does in each one.

  • Ask a question: identify what you want to investigate.
  • Form a hypothesis: propose a testable explanation.
  • Plan/Design the experiment: decide independent/dependent variables, controls, sample size, and methods.
  • Collect data: perform trials and gather measurements.
  • Analyze data: compare results to the hypothesis and assess trends.
  • Draw conclusions: state whether results support or refute the hypothesis.
  • Communicate results: share methods, data, and interpretation to ensure accuracy and allow replication.

13) Why is it important in a controlled experiment that the scientist isolates and tests a single variable?

  • Testing one variable at a time isolates cause-and-effect relationships and reduces confounding factors, increasing the validity of conclusions.

14) Give an example of a scientific investigation or experiment, with appropriate constants and variables (Independent Variable and Dependent Variables).

  • Example: Investigating how light exposure affects seed germination rate.
    • IV: Light exposure level (e.g., dark, dim, bright)
    • DV: Germination rate (percentage of seeds germinated)
    • Constants: Seed type, soil, water amount, temperature, pot size, duration of exposure

15) What is the difference between control group and experimental group.

  • Experimental group: receives the independent variable manipulation.
  • Control group: does not receive the manipulation or receives a standard/default condition for comparison.

Variables and Experimental Design

  • Independent Variable (IV): the variable deliberately changed by the experimenter.
  • Dependent Variable (DV): the variable measured and observed.
  • Constants/Controlled Variables: factors kept the same across all groups to ensure a fair test.
  • Experimental Group: exposed to the IV level(s).
  • Control Group: baseline condition for comparison.
  • Inference vs Observation:
    • Observation: data collected through senses or instruments.
    • Inference: interpretation or explanation of observations.
  • DRY MIX (visuals) – how it relates to graph interpretation:
    • DRY MIX stands for the typical roles of independent/dependent variables on a graph and related graph components.

Scientific Method and Communication

  • Components of the scientific method:
    • Question
    • Hypothesis
    • Experimental design
    • Data collection/analysis
    • Conclusion
    • Communication/peer review for accuracy and reproducibility
  • How scientists communicate results to ensure accuracy:
    • Clear description of methods and data
    • Transparent reporting of uncertainties
    • Use of charts/tables/graphs for data presentation
    • Reproducibility through detailed protocols
    • Peer review for validation

Data Representation and Graphs

  • Be able to organize data from an experiment into a chart, table, or graph, and interpret it.
  • Be able to identify and interpret results/conclusions from charts/tables/graphs.
  • Parts of a graph (visual vocabulary): axis labels, scale, data points, trend line, legend, units, title.
  • Independent and Dependent Variables on a graph (DRY MIX): identify IV on x-axis, DV on y-axis, interpret relationship.

Theory, Law, Hypothesis – Key Distinctions

  • Theory: well-supported, broad explanation of phenomena; explains how and why.
  • Law: concise statement describing consistent relationships in nature; often mathematical.
  • Hypothesis: testable educated guess about the outcome of an experiment, stated in If-Then form.

Example Formats and Practice

  • Example of hypothesis in correct format (above in Learning Objectives).
  • Practice: identify IV, DV, controls from written descriptions or graphs; discuss potential biases; outline a short experimental design.

Summary of Important Terms (Vocabulary)

  • Science
  • Biology
  • Controlled experiment
  • Theory
  • Law
  • Hypothesis
  • Bias
  • Independent Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constant/Controlled Variables
  • Experimental Group
  • Control Group
  • Inference
  • Observation

Visual Vocabulary (Key Concepts)

  • Parts of a graph
  • Independent and Dependent Variables on a graph (DRY MIX)
  • Theory
  • Law
  • Hypothesis
  • Bias
  • Independent Variable
  • Dependent Variable
  • Constant/Controlled Variables
  • Experimental Group
  • Control Group
  • Inference
  • Observation