| A | B |
|---|
| nature of science | Refers to the foundation concepts that govern the way scientists formulate explanations about the natural world. |
| data table | The facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observation. |
| repeated trials | The number of trials performed during a scientific experiment to receive more accurate results. |
| levels of independent variable | The experimental independent variable levels of comparison. |
| independent variable | The one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment; also called manipulated variable. |
| dependent variable | The factor that changes as a result of changes to the manipulated, or independent, variable in an experiment; also called responding variable. |
| units of measure | Metric units used in an experiment. |
| mathematical means | Analysis of results by calculation in a data table. |
| classification | The process of grouping things based on their similarities. |
| International System of Units | A system of measurement based on multiples of ten and on established measures of mass, length, and time. |
| triple beam and electronic balance | Equipment that measures the mass of an object. |
| thermometer | An instrument for measuring and indicating temperature. |
| metric ruler | A strip of wood, metal, or other material having a straight edge and marked off in centimeters used for drawing lines, measuring. |
| graduated cylinder | A narrow, cylindrical shaped piece of lab equipment used to measure the volume of a liquid. |
| probeware | Electronic data collection devices. |
| model | A systematic description of an object or phenomenon that shares important characteristics with the object or phenomenon, can be material, visual, mathematical, or computational. |
| simulations | Imitation of the operation of a real-world process or system over time. |
| inference | An interpretation based on observation and background knowledge. |
| variables | Any factor that can change in an experiment. |
| constant | Continuous over a period of time, does not change. |
| control | A group or individual used as a standard of comparison for checking the results of a survey or experiment. |
| hypothesis | A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific questions; must be testable. |
| graph | A diagram showing the relation between variable quantities, typically of two variables, each measured along one of a pair of axes at right angles. |
| line graph | Report continuous or real-time data. |
| predictions | Forecast about what may happen in some future situation. |
| sources of error | Errors that may occur in the execution of an experiment design including human error, mistakes in data entry, systematic error, mistake in experiment design, random error, environmental error, or unpredictable factors. |
| observation | A skill that involves the use of one or more of the senses- sight, hearing, touch, smell, and sometimes taste- to gather information and collect data. |
| qualitative | Use your senses to observe results (sight, smell, touch, taste, hear). |
| quantitative | Measures quantity (numbers). |
| conclusion | Summarize how your results support or contradict your original hypothesis. |
| reference | Provide a book or article with citations and authorities. |
| interpolation | To estimate a value of a function or series between two known values. |
| extrapolation | Estimating beyond the original observed range, the value of a variable on the basis of its relationship with another variable. |
| observations (descriptive) studies | Intended to generate a hypothesis. |
| experimental studies | Intended to test a hypothesis. |
| bar graph | A graphical display of data using bars of different heights. |
| histogram | A diagram consisting of rectangles whose area is proportional to the frequency of a variable and whose width is equal to the class interval. |
| circle/pie graph | A graph used to visualize information and data, used to show the results of an investigation in a proportional manner. |
| line graph | A graph that shows information that is connected in some way such as change over time. |
| directly proportional | A term used to describe the relationship between two variables whose graph is a straight line passing through the point. |
| vary inversely | A term used to describe the relationship between two variables whose graph forms a curve that slopes downward from left to right. |
