A way of learning about the natural
world.
Science
Using one of more of your senses to
gather information.
Observing
Observations reported in words and
NOT numbers
Qualitative Observations
Observations reported using numbers
Explaining or interpreting things you
observe.
Quantitative Observations
Inferring
Making a statement or claim about
what WILL happen in the future, based
on past experience or evidence.
Predicting
Grouping things that are alike in some
way.
Classifying
Comparing observations and data to
reach a conclusion.
Evaluating
Creating representations of complex
objects or processes.
Making Models
Studying the natural world and
proposing explanations based on
evidence. (doing experiments to gather data and
Scientific Inquiry
explain how or why things happen in the world)
An experiment in which only ONE
variable is manipulated at a time.
Controlled Experiment
Possible answer to a scientific
question, suggested solution to a
problem.
Hypothesis
The “who or what” is being
experimented on
Test Subjects
Test subjects used for comparison and
do not get the independent variable
Control Group
The test subjects that are given the
independent variable
Experimental Group
Any factor that can be changed in an
experiment.
Variable
All the factors kept the same in an
experiment to make a fair test
Constants
the variable changed by the
experimenter to test a hypothesis, this
given or done to the test subject
Independent Variable
The response measured from the test
subject in an experiment
Dependent Variable
Facts, figures, and other evidence
gathered through quantitative and
qualitative observations.
Data
Testing multiple times within your
experiment to get valid results.
Repeated Trials
Having another scientist conduct your
experiment to see if he gets the same
results.
Replication
A state of mind
Attitude
Wanting to learn new things.
Curiosity
Reporting observations and results
truthfully.
Honesty
Coming up with inventive ways to solve
problems or produce new things.
Creativity
Capable of accepting new and different
ideas.
Open-mindedness
Having an attitude of doubt to help
you distinguish between what is true
and what is not.
Rules that enable people to know
right from wrong.
Things that can influence what a scientist
expects to find in his experiment; Can be
personal, cultural, or experimental.
Skepticism
Ethics
Bias
Bias that comes from an individual’s
likes and dislikes.
Personal Bias
Bias that stems from the culture in
which one grows up
Cultural Bias
Making a mistake in the design of an
experiment that makes one result more
likely.
Experimental bias
Making decisions and drawing conclusions
based on available evidence.
Objective reasoning
When personal feelings enter a
decision or conclusion.
Subjective reasoning