Representing Data

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Hypothesis Noun

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[hy-poth-e-sis]

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Hypothesis

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A proposed, testable explanation for a phenomenon, which serves as a starting point for further investigation and experimentation.

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Example: A hypothesis, like 'plants grow best under a certain color of light,' is tested by an experiment where only one variable (light color) changes.

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Theory Noun

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[thee-uh-ree]

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Theory

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A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, repeatedly confirmed through observation and many experiments.

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Example: A scientific theory is a strong explanation built on a wide foundation of evidence, much like a pyramid is built on a large, solid base.

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Accuracy Noun

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[ak-yur-uh-see]

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Accuracy

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The degree to which a measured value agrees with the correct, accepted value for that particular quantity.

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Example: Accuracy describes how close a measurement is to the true value. This is shown by how close the shots are to the target's bullseye.

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Precision Noun

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[pri-sizh-un]

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Precision

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The degree to which repeated measurements under unchanged conditions show the same results, indicating little variation among them.

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Example: This image shows precision as the consistency of measurements. The targets with high precision have dots clustered closely together, regardless of whether they hit the bullseye.

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Error Noun

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[er-ur]

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Error

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The calculated difference between an experimental or measured value and the true or accepted value of a quantity.

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Example: An error in measurement, like using a faulty tape measure, results in incorrect data and a flawed outcome, such as making a shirt that doesn't fit.

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Percent Error Noun

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[per-sent er-ur]

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Percent Error

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A measure of inaccuracy, expressed as the percentage deviation of an experimental value from the accepted or true value.

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Example: This image shows how to calculate percent error by comparing a measured value (48 inches) to the true value (50 inches), resulting in a 4% error.

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Significant Figures Noun

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[sig-nif-i-kant fig-yurs]

Back

Significant Figures

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The digits in a number that are reliable and necessary to indicate the precision of a measurement or calculation.

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Example: This diagram shows how to identify significant figures by pointing to the first, second, and third significant digits in two different example numbers.

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Scientific Notation Noun

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[sy-en-tif-ik no-tay-shun]

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Scientific Notation

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A method of expressing very large or small numbers as a coefficient between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10.

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Example: This image shows how to convert a number from scientific notation to standard form by moving the decimal point six places to the right.

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Dimensional Analysis Noun

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[di-men-shun-ul uh-nal-uh-sis]

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Dimensional Analysis

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A problem-solving method that uses conversion factors to systematically change from one unit of measurement to another.

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Example: This image shows how to use dimensional analysis to convert units by multiplying a starting amount (24 inches) by a conversion factor (1 foot / 12 inches) to cancel out the original unit and find the end amount in the new unit (2 feet).

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Conversion Factor Noun

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[kun-vur-zhun fak-ter]

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Conversion Factor

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A ratio of equivalent values that is used to convert a quantity from one unit to another.

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Example: To convert 5 feet to inches, you multiply by the conversion factor of 12. To convert 60 inches back to feet, you divide by 12.