Scientific Inquiry
Vocabulary Grid
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Scientific Inquiry Vocab
9/1/15
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Scientific Inquiry
Vocabulary
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Scientific Inquiry Vocabulary
Scientific Inquiry Vocabulary
Science –
Investigation &
exploration of natural
events & the new
information that
results
Technology –
The practical use of
scientific knowledge
Observation –
Using your senses or
measuring to gather
information and taking
note of what occurs
EX: smell, touch, mass
Inference –
Using logic based on prior
knowledge to explain an
observation
EX: a very dark cloud in
the sky is full of rain
Hypothesis –
Possible explanation for
an observation that can
be tested
- data supports or fails
to support
Prediction –
Statement of what will
happen next in a series
of events
EX: a telescope to
see deep in space
Scientific Inquiry Vocabulary page 2
Critical thinking –
Comparing what you
already know with
information you are
given to decide if you
agree with it
Repetition –
Multiple trials of an
investigation done by
the researcher
Bias –
Intentional or
unintentional
prejudice toward a
specific outcome
Pseudoscience –
a collection of beliefs or
practices mistakenly
regarded as being based
on scientific method
EX: astrology
Replication –
Other researchers perform
others’ investigations or
research (peer review)
Empirical evidence –
The cumulative body
of observations of a
natural phenomenon
Scientific Inquiry Vocabulary page 3
Scientific Theory
An explanation of
observations or
events based on
knowledge gained
from many
observations &
investigations
Scientific Law –
A rule that
describes a
repeatable
pattern in nature