Topic 1: Intro to Density & The Practice of Science
Controlled variable
A factor or condition in a scientific experiment that is purposefully kept the same.
Control group
A group that is untreated by the factor being tested, it serves as a reference for comparison to the experimental groups
Experiment
A scientific test or procedure that is carried out under controlled conditions to answer a scientific question.
Hypothesis
A statement that can be tested scientifically through experiments and/or other scientific investigations
Conclusion
A statement that tells what an investigation showed, based on observations and data
Valid
A term used to describe the certainty of data or results of an investigation or experiment
Inference
An explanation based on evidence that is not directly observed.
Empirical evidence
Evidence based on observations or experiments rather than theory.
Observation
Information about the natural world gathered through the senses and/or scientific instruments.
Repetition
Making multiple sets of measurements or observations in a scientific investigation
Data
Measurements or observations collected and recorded in an experiment or investigation
Mass
The amount of matter a substance or object has.
Volume
The amount of space an object or substance occupies.
Density
The relationship between the mass of the substance and how much space it takes up (volume).
Replication
The reproduction of a scientific investigation by another person to ensure accuracy
Test variable (independent variable)
The variable in the experiment that you change on purpose
Outcome variable (dependent variable)
The variable that is influenced by the test variable, it is observed and usually measured
Scientific investigation
the process by which a scientist asks a question about the natural world, collects and analyzes data to help answer that question, and communicates the results to the scientific community
Analyze
to examine methodically by separating into parts and studying their interrelatedness
