Scientific Theory
Independent Variable
(in an experiment) a variable that is intentionally changed to observe its effect on the dependent variable
Dependent Variable
(in an experiment) the event studied and expected to change when the independent variable is changed (this is what is measured in an experiment)
Results
a consequence, effect, or outcome of something
Scientific Method
a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested
Scientific Law
a phenomenon of nature that has been proven to invariably occur whenever certain conditions exist or are met
Investigation
a searching inquiry for ascertaining facts; detailed or careful examination
Critical Thinking
a self-guided, self-disciplined thinking which attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way
Hypothesis
a specific prediction based on evidence that is testable (and includes independent and dependent variables)
Experiment
a test, trial, or tentative procedure; for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc.:under controlled conditions
Opinion
a thought, belief, or judgment that can vary from person to person
Variable
any factor that can change in a scientific investigation
Physical Science
any of the natural sciences dealing with inanimate matter or with energy, as physics, chemistry, and astronomy
Earth Science
any of various sciences, as geography, geology, or meteorology, that deal with the earth, its composition, or any of its changing aspects
Life Science
any science that deals with living organisms, their life processes, and their interrelationships, as biology, medicine, or ecology
Survey
ask many people questions in order to collect information about what most people do/think about something
Scientific Theory
explanation supported by a large amount of evidence; best explanation based upon what we know
Empirical Evidence
information acquired by observation or experimentation that must be observable and measurable
Observation
information gained by using the senses (sight, hearing, smell, tough & taste)
Data
information gathered by observation; gathered by using senses or detecting through instruments
Fieldwork
observations outside of the laboratory where conditions are not controlled
Scientific Inquiry
refers to the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their work
Models
representation of an object or system
Evidence
results collected when a theory or hypothesis is tested. Scientific evidence serves to either support or counter a scientific theory or hypothesis.
Fact
something that actually exists; reality; truth
Inferences
the act or process of reaching a conclusion or an understanding about something from known facts or evidence (an interpretation)
