ACT science vocab

Line Graph

A graph that is represented by points connected by segments

Scientific Method

A process used to gather evidence and lead to understanding.

Model

A small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object.

Bunsen Burner

Equipment used for heating chemical reactions.

Microscope

Equipment used to magnify and observe small objects.

Meter Stick

Equipment used to measure SI (metric) lengths.

Spring Scale

Equipment used to measure force.

Thermometer

Equipment used to measure the temperature of an object.

Accuracy

How well the results of an experiment agree with the accepted value.

Y Axis

In a line graph comparing two variables, the dependent variable is plotted along this axis.

X Axis

In a line graph comparing two variables, the independent variable is plotted along this axis.

Scale

In a model, this the ratio of the linear dimension of the model to the same dimension of the original.

Experiment

Scientific procedure of conducting tests to find results . This is also a means to test a hypothesis.

Measurement Error

The difference between the accepted value and the experimental value.

Inverse Variation

The relationship between two variables such that y = k/x if k is a nonzero number and k ≠ and x ≠ 0.

Direct Variation

The relationship between two variables such that y = kx if k is a nonzero number. Also, as one quantity increases, the second quantity increases or as one quantity decreases, the second quantity decreases.

Correlation

There is a __________ between two variables when values from one can be used to predict values of the other. This is not the same thing as causation.

Chemotroph

These are organisms that obtain energy through chemical process called chemosynthesis rather than by photosynthesis.

Slope

This describes how much a line rises or falls between any two points on that line. Algebraically it is expressed as (y2 - y1)/ (x2 - x1) for the line passing through (x1, y1) and (x2, y2).

Data Set

This is a compilation of information, usually quantitative, that represents measures of a variable or set of variables.

Computer Model

This is a computer program, or network of computers, that attempts to simulate an abstract model of a particular system.

Control Variable

This is a condition which remains constant, or unchanged, in an experiment.

Graduated Cylinder

This is a container used for measurement of the volume of a liquid.

Negative Feedback

This is a decrease in function in response to a stimulus.

Positive Feedback

This is a feedback mechanism resulting in the amplification or growth of the output signal.

Linear Function

This is a function of the form f(x) = mx + b, where m and b are real numbers.

Phase Diagram

This is a graph that shows the different states of a substance according to the temperature and pressure it is under.

Scatter Plot

This is a graphic representation of data that is used to should a relationship or correlation between variables.

Bar Graph

This is a graphical means of using parallel lines to measure data or things compared.

Frequency Distribution

This is a grouping of data divided into mutually exclusive classes and the number of occurrences in a class.

Velocity-time Graph

This is a line graph that represents acceleration. The slope of the line tells us the rate of change in velocity.

Position-time Graph

This is a line graph used to describe the motion of an object. A graphic representation of velocity. Also used to represent speed.

Mean

This is a measure of central tendency; in a set of data is what people refer to as the average.

Median

This is a measure of central tendency; it is the number in the middle of a data set.

Milliliter

This is a measure of liquid volume, equal to one-thousanth of a liter.

Temperature

This is a measure of the average kinetic energy of a substance.

Mass

This is a measure of the quantity of matter.

Celsius

This is a metric temperature scale based on water's freezing and boiling points.

Time

This is a number, as of years, days, minutes, or seconds representing such an interval. The SI standard unit of this is the second.

Research Plan

This is a paper describing a principal investigator\'s proposed research, stating its importance and how it will be conducted.

Physical Model

This is a physical construction that accurately represents something that is either unseen, or something that is either too small or too large to view under normal circumstances. It may also be a physical construction that represents an idea.

Beam Balance

This is a piece of laboratory equipment used to measure mass in grams.

Hypothesis

This is a prediction of the outcome of scientific processes based on analysis.

Analysis

This is a process of interpreting experimental results.

Observation

This is a process of watching an experiment and noting what occurs.

Trial

This is a repetition of an experiment. Scientists use multiples of these to ensure the reliability of their results.

Unit Of Measure

This is a standard of measure for a physical quantity and is included as part of the X and Y axes labels on a line graph.

Prediction

This is a statement that a particular event will occur, based on reasonable observations of prior events.

Ruler

This is a straight measuring device, marked at intervals, used to measure distances.

Designed System

This is a system in which people set boundaries, define subsystems and parts, and may predict inputs and outputs to the system.

Trial Run

This is a test or rehearsal of something new in order to evaluate the product.

Stopwatch

This is a timing device used to measure the length of time for short events.

Conceptual Model

This is a type of diagram which shows of a set of relationships between factors that are believed to impact or lead to a target condition; a diagram that defines theoretical entities, objects, or conditions of a system and the relationships between them.

X-Y Graph

This is a type of graph where the dependent variable is plotted vs. the independent variable as unique points.

3D Model

This is a type of model that lets you see it from all sides and, in some cases, to look inside.

Closed System

This is a type of system that allows energy but not matter across its system boundary.

Conclusion

This is an answer deduced from the analysis of data.

Control Group

This is an experimental group, used as a baseline comparison, that receives all the control variables, but does not receive the independent variable treatment.

Secondary Consumer

This is an organism that feeds on primary consumers and make up the third trophic level

Primary Consumer

This is an organism that feeds on primary producers and make up the second trophic level.

Tertiary Consumer

This is an organism that feeds on secondary consumers and make up the fourth trophic level.

Bias

This is an unwanted influence on a sample.

Measurement

This is collection of data made by comparing objects in standard units. In science, the units are metric.

Evidence

This is data from an experiment, which is used to verify or reject the original hypothesis in the conclusion.

Quantitative

This is information from an experiment that can be assigned a number or a quantity and can often be used to construct a graph.

Qualitative

This is information from an experiment, such as observations or behaviors, that cannot be recorded with a numerical value.

Research Question

This is one of the first steps in scientific research. It usually starts with: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why, or Where.

Precision

This is the ability of a measurement to be reproduced consistently.

Lab Safety

This is the act of being responsible while working on a scientific investigation; following directions, wearing apron and goggles, knowing the location of emergency equipment, etc.

Data Collection

This is the act of writing down the required information you get from a laboratory experiment.

Bioaccumulation

This is the build-up of substances, such as pesticides, in an organism and occurs when an organism absorbs a substance at a rate faster than that at which the substance is lost.

Experimental Variable

This is the condition which is changed within experiment.

Data Table

This is the correct method of recording numerical information from an experiment.

Product Development

This is the creation of something new or the modification of an existing idea to satisfy a newly defined customer, want, or market niche.

Validity

This is the degree at which a test measures what it is intended to measure.

Range

This is the difference between the smallest and the largest numbers in the data set.

Comparison

This is the examination of two or more substances to find similarities and/or differences between them.

Variable

This is the factor which is tested in an experiment.

Weight

This is the force of attraction between an object and the earth due to gravity.

Graph

This is the image obtained by plotting dots, bars or lines to show scientific data.

Independent Variable

This is the manipulated variable in an experiment or study whose presence or degree determines the change in the dependent variable. When graphed this is graphed usually on the horizontal axis.

Volume

This is the measure of the amount of space that matter takes up.

Investigation

This is the method of researching or studying a topic. Examination, inquiry...

Sample Size

This is the number of individuals in each experimental group in an experiment. Generally, if this number is larger, the experiment is more accurate.

Dependent Variable

This is the observed variable in an experiment or study whose changes are determined by the presence or degree of one or more independent variables. When graphed, this variable is usually on the vertical axis.

Results

This is the outcome.

Pie Chart

This is the preferred method of representing percentage data by using a circle divided into sections.

Data Analysis

This is the process of gathering, organizing, and displaying data with the goals of finding useful information, drawing conclusions, and helping with decision making.

Interpolation

This is the process of predicting the value of an unknown data point within the range of a set of known data points.

Procedures

This is the process of steps taken in completing a task, such as a lab investigation.

Extrapolation

This is the process of using a set of known data points on a graph to predict where an unknown data point outside of that range would lie.

Average

This is the sum of each number in a set added together and then divided by the total number in the set.

Gram

This is the unit of mass in the metric system.

Mode

This is the value that occurs the most frequently in a data set.

Modify

This is to make partial or minor changes to something, a model, theory, or conclusion, based on additional evidence.

Revise

This is to reconsider and alter something in the light of new evidence.

Discovery

This is to see, get knowledge of, learn of, find, or find out; gain sight or knowledge.

Lab Equipment

This is various tools found in a building or room equipped for conducting scientific research or for carrying out scientific experiments,

Research

This is what people do when they are searching for information. People often look in more than one location.

Reliable

When referring to experimentation, this is the consistency of a set of measurements or measuring instrument. It is the inverse of random error.