What is Science?

variable

A factor that can change in an experiment.

hypothesis

A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question; must be testable.

science

A way of learning about the natural world through observations and logical reasoning; leads to a body of knowledge.

Controlled experiment

An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time.

quantitative observation

An observation that deals with a counting numbers or measuring amounts.

qualitative observation

An observation that deals with describing qualities and characteristics that cannot be expressed in numbers.

evaluating

Comparing observations and data to reach a conclusion about them.

data

Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations.

Dependent Variable (Responding Variable)

The factor that changes as a result of changes to the manipulated, or independent, variable in an experiment

Independent Variable (Manipulated Variable)

The one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment

scientific inquiry

The ongoing process of discovery in science; the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence they gather.

making models

The process of creating representations of complex objects or processes.

prediction

The process of forecasting what will happen in the future based on observations or past experience.

classifying

The process of grouping together items based on their similiarities.

inference

The process of making interpretations and explanations based on observations and prior knowledge.

observation

The process of using one or more of your senses to gather information.

Constant (Controlled Variable)

a factor in an experiment that is controlled and is kept the same

classifying (example)

grouping the markers together based on their color

prediction (example)

the marker will roll off the table onto the floor

qualitative observation (example)

the student was wearing a blue shirt

inference (example)

the student was wearing blue because that is their favorite color

observation (example)

the windows in the lab are clear

quantitative observation (example)

there were 7 students in the class