Glossary Science General

6 Glossary for General Science Terms p. 1 REFERENCE General Science Glossary ● analysis – The breakdown of something that is complex into smaller parts in such a way that leads to better understanding. ● average: the central, or typical, value of a numerical data set. See mean, median, mode. ● classify – Grouping things together based on specific characteristics. ● compare – To examine the different and/or similar characteristics of things or events. ● control – The group or subject that is used as a standard for comparison in an experiment. ● controlled variable: a variable in an investigation or experiment that is held constant. This is NOT the same thing as a control. ● critical thinking – Thinking that uses specific sets of skills to carefully analyze problems step-bystep; scientific methods are one type of critical thinking. ● data – Information, measurements and materials gathered from observations that are used to help answer questions. ● dependent Variable– The response. This is a factor that responds to changes in the independent variable in an experiment. Also known as the responding variable or the outcome variable. DV. ● evidence: information gained by direct observation or from reliable sources that can be used to formulate ideas about the natural world or to inform decision-making; data ● experiment – A test using observations and controlled variables to discover answers to questions, and/or to check a hypothesis. ● experimental error – Incorrect data in an experiment that may result from a variety of causes. ● hypothesis – A testable explanation for observations and questions about the physical universe. (Note: “hypothesis” is very similar to “prediction,” and the two words are often used interchangeably.) ● independent and dependent variables: “If X is given, then y occurs” (X is independent and y is dependent) ● independent Variable– The tested variable: a variable that is changed in a systematic way in an experiment in order to determine its effects. The experimenter changes or manipulates it on purpose. Also known as the manipulated variable. IV ● inference – A logical explanation or conclusion based on observations and/or facts. ● manipulated variable—same as the independent variable ● mean: a central value of a numerical data set calculated by adding up all the data points in the data set and dividing this sum by the total number of data points in the data set ● measure – To compare the characteristics of something (such as mass, length, volume) with a standard (such as grams, meters, liters). ● median: the middle value in a data set arranged in numerical order ● methods – An ordered series of steps followed to help answer a question. Similar to procedure ● mode: the most frequently occurring data point of a numerical data set ● model: any representation of a system, or its components, to help one study and understand how it works ● nature – The entire physical universe. ● observation – (1) Noticing objects or events using the five senses. (2) The data collected by using the five senses to learn about objects and events. ● prediction – A statement made about the future outcome of an experiment based on past experiences or observations. ● procedure – An ordered series of steps followed to help answer a question. ● qualitative data – Data that are based on observable characteristics of things or events that can be collected using the five senses. Example: “The juice tastes sweet to me.” ● quantitative data – Data that is based on measurable characteristics of things or events such as mass, volume, length, and quantity. Example: “There is one liter of juice in the carton.” ● repeated trials – Experimental tests done more than once. ● replication – Repeated trials on more than one subject, as well as controls, in experimental tests. ● responding variable—same as the dependent variable ● results- the outcome of your experiment or observations. Reported strictly without reference to interpretation or prior hypotheses. ● sample size: the number of data points in a data set; the number of subjects or samples in an experiment ● scale: the size of a diagram or model in proportion to the actual size of the object ● science – The study of nature and the physical world using the methods of science, a special method of finding things out, or one way of understanding the world. ● scientific law – A generalized pattern in nature that has been supported by numerous tests. ● scientific method(s) – A process of critical thinking that uses observations and experiments to investigate testable predictions and develop natural explanations of the physical universe. ● scientific theory – A causal explanation for generalized patterns in nature that is supported by much scientific evidence based on data collected using scientific methods. ● tested variable: a variable that is changed in a systematic way in an experiment in order to determine its effects ● trade-off –A balancing of factors, all of which are not attainable at the same time. Getting one thing at the cost of another. The trade-off is the aspect that is given up and can only be evaluated in the context of what it was exchanged for. ● uncontrolled variable: a variable in an experiment or investigation that the experimenter either ignores or is unable to hold constant ● variable – Something that can affect a system being examined, and is therefore a factor that may change in an experiment. ● variation – Slight differences among objects, organisms or events that are all of the same basic type. 6 Glossary for General Science Terms p. 2 REFERENCE