Basic Scientific Concepts

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What is a fact?

Back

An objective, verifiable observation.

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Give an example of a fact.

Back

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

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What is a principle?

Back

A statement based on repeated experimental observation that describes an aspect of the world.

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What is a law in scientific terms?

Back

A broad concept or principle that describes patterns in nature and is often accepted as fact.

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What is a theory?

Back

An explanation of an observed phenomenon that organizes facts and research to explain why, and never becomes a fact or a law.

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What is science based on?

Back

Experimentation.

Front

Define observation in scientific terms.

Back

A description of something you can see, smell, touch, taste, or hear, and it must be objective.

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What is an inference?

Back

A guess about an object or outcome based on observations.

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What is a qualitative observation?

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An observation that describes qualities.

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What is a quantitative observation?

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An observation that uses numbers to measure something.