Science in Context

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Hypothesis Noun

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[hy-poth-e-sis]

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Hypothesis

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A testable, proposed explanation for a set of observations, serving as a starting point for further scientific investigation.

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Example: This image shows an experiment set up to test a hypothesis, such as 'Plants will grow differently under different colors of light.'

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Skepticism Noun

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[skep-ti-siz-um]

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Skepticism

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A scientific attitude of questioning existing ideas and refusing to accept explanations without sufficient evidence to support them.

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Example: This image shows a question mark inside a lightbulb, representing the scientific practice of questioning ideas and claims until evidence is provided.

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Peer Review Noun

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[peer ri-vyoo]

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Peer Review

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The process where scientific work is evaluated by anonymous, independent experts to ensure it meets quality standards before publication.

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Example: This infographic shows the scientific peer review process, where a scholar's research manuscript is reviewed by other experts (peers) before being published.

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Bias Noun

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[by-us]

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Bias

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A personal, rather than scientific, point of view for or against something, which can potentially influence research and interpretation.

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Example: This image shows an unbalanced scale, where one side is given more weight than the other, representing how bias unfairly favors one outcome.

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Model Noun

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[mod-l]

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Model

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A physical, mathematical, or conceptual representation of an idea, object, or process used to visualize and communicate ideas.

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Example: This diagram is a scientific model because it represents an idea of how the solar system works, with the Earth at the center.

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Scientific Inquiry Noun

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[sy-en-tif-ik in-kwy-ree]

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Scientific Inquiry

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The diverse ways scientists study the natural world, propose explanations based on evidence, and test those explanations.

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Example: This image shows a plant bending towards a light source, a simple observation that prompts questions, which is the first step of scientific inquiry.

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Engineering Design Noun

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[en-juh-neer-ing di-zayn]

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Engineering Design

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The process engineers use to identify a need, brainstorm solutions, create a prototype, and test it to solve problems.

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Example: This wildlife bridge is an example of engineering design, creating a solution to help animals safely cross a busy highway, protecting both wildlife and drivers.

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Prototype Noun

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[proh-toh-typ]

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Prototype

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A preliminary model or version of a design solution that is tested to evaluate its performance before final production.

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Example: This image shows the process of creating a prototype: starting with an idea (lightbulb) and turning it into a detailed plan or model (blueprint).

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Variable Noun

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[vair-ee-uh-buhl]

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Variable

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A factor, trait, or condition that can be changed, measured, or controlled within a scientific experiment or study.

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Example: This experiment shows that the fertilizer is the independent variable (what is changed), and the resulting plant growth is the dependent variable (what is measured).

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Replication Noun

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[rep-li-kay-shun]

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Replication

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The process of repeating a scientific experiment, following the original procedures, to determine if the basic findings can be reproduced.

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Example: This image shows a student repeating a scientific experiment to get the same result, which is what replication means in science.