Scientific Terminology

Front

A statement or piece of information that is true based on available evidence

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Fact

Front

Made with your senses.

Can be enhanced with tools such as microscopes, telescopes, x-rays etc.

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Observation

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Information collected using observations. Can be qualitative or quantitative.

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Data

Front

Numerical information that can be measured or counted, allowing for mathematical calculations and statistical analysis.

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Quantitative Data

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Descriptive information that is not expressed numerically to help identify patterns, themes, and insights.

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Qualitative Data

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A conclusion drawn from an observation.

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Inference

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A testable explanation for observations and data. Needs to be clearly stated. May or may not be supported after an experiment in concluded.

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Hypothesis

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Explains a broad set of observations about the natural world.

Supported by a great amount of evidence and data and can be tested.

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Scientific theory

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A statement or equation that accurately describes observations (but does not have to explain them).

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Scientific Law

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A concept based on scientific laws and rules that are agreed upon by the scientific community.

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Scientific principles