science teas- Scientific Method

Negative Slope

A line slanting downward to the right. Indirect correlation.

Positive Slope

A line slanting upward to the right. Directly correlated.

Dependent Variable

The outcome, or effect being studied. In an experiment on plants, the plant growth would be the dependent variable.

electron microscopy

has significantly improved the ability to see and understand the workings of organelles because electron wavelengths are short enough to resolve the structure of organelles which are around 100 times larger than the wavelengths of an electron

hypothesis must be written in a...

if/then statement so it can be tested.

how do you find the number of neutrons in one atom of an element

subtract the atomic number from the atomic mass

Six Steps of Scientific Method

Problem, Question, Hypothesis, Experiment, Analyze, and Conclusion

Deductive Reasoning

Drawing a specific conclusion based on a general premise. ex. All men are over six feet. Jerome is a man. Therefore, Jerome is over six feet tall.

Inductive Reasoning

Drawing general conclusions based on observation of specific events. ex. If a scientist observes swans on a lake, and all the swans that he sees are white, the scientist might conclude that all swans are white.

Inverse Correlation/Negative Correlation or Indirect

Shows that as one factor increases, the other decreases. ex. As the incline on the treadmill increased, the patient's speed slowed down. Also know as negative or indirect correlation.

Direct Correlation/Postive Correlation

Shows that as one factor increases, the other factor also increases. ex. The higher the temp rose, the more quickly the substance melted. Also know as positive correlation.

Experimental Group/Treatment Group

Test groups that receive a particular factor being tested. ex. medication or fertilizer. This is also known as treatment groups.

Independent Variable

The casual factor being studied. The independent variable acts on the dependent variable to produce a certain outcome. In an experiment on plants, the fertilizer would be the independent variable.

Control Group

The group that does not receive the treatment or factor being tested. They may not receive any treatment or may be given a placebo or false factor.

two types of measurement important in science

quantitative (when a numerical result is used) and qualitative (when descriptions or qualities are reported)