The Nature of Science Vocabulary
Scientific Method – a systematic approach to problem solving
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
State the problem
Gather information (research)
Form hypothesis
Perform experiments to test the hypothesis
Record & analyze data
State conclusion
Repeat the work
Problem – the scientific question to be solved
- should be limited and should be able to be solved experimentally
Hypothesis – a proposed explanation for a scientific problem
- hypothesis should be made before beginning an experiment
- hypothesis should not be changed if the experiment does not support the
hypothesis
Control – an experiment run without a variable in order to show that any data from the
experimental setup was due to the variable being tested
Variable – the factor being tested in an experimental setup
- independent variable is the variable you purposefully change
- dependent variable is the variable being observed, which changes in response
to the independent variable
- only 1 variable should be changed at a time
Data – recorded observations and measurements
Conclusion – a summary of the results of the experiment and a statement of how the
results relate to the hypothesis
- can include possible reasons for the difference between the hypothesis and the
experimental results
- can include ideas for further testing
Theory – a logical, time-tested explanation for events that occur in the natural world
Law – a summarizing statement of observed experimental facts that has been tested many
times and is generally accepted as true by the scientific community
Metric System – standard system of measurement used by all scientists
Basic Units
Length – distance across
Meter
(m)
Volume – the amount of space an object takes
up
Liter
(L)
Mass – the amount of matter in an object
Kilogram
(kg)
Weight – a measure of the attraction between
two objects due to gravity
Density – the mass per unit volume of a
substance
Newton
(N)
Grams per Cubic Centimeter (g/cm3)
Temperature – state with regard to heat and
cold
Degrees Celsius
(oC)
Common Metric Prefixes
Kilo = one thousand
(x 1000)
Centi = one hundredth
(/ 100)
Milli = one thousandth
(/ 1000)
Graphing Check List
1. Title ( include Independent and Dependent variables)
2. Number axis clearly with equal spacing.
3. Label both axis including units. (independent on the bottom/
dependent on the side)
4. Plot data accurately.
5. Proofread your graph to look for mistakes.