6th Grade Science Vocabulary

A variable that is changed by the person conducting the experiment and not changed by other variables in the experiment.  The thing I change in the experiment.

• independent variable
• dependent variable
• inference
• producer

The variable, within a scientific experiment, which is affected by changes in the independent variable of the experiment.  The results I record at the end of the experiment.  

• independent variable
• dependent variable
• carrying capacity
• fossil

Characteristics of objects or events other than actual numerical measurements.  Qualities of the object (fuzzy, warm, blue). 

• quantitative observation
• qualitative observation
• dissection
• conclusion

Characteristics of objects or events which can be measured. 

• qualitative observation
• quantitative observation
• inference
• hypothesis

A decision made after considering relevant facts and evidence.

• hypothesis
• procedure or methods
• conclusion
• inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning.  The use of clues to make a guess as to what happened. 

• conclusion 
• hypothesis 
• experimental group
• inference

A testable statement about the natural world that can be used to develop inferences and explanations.

• experimental group
• consumer
• hypothesis
• conclusion

The variables in an experiment which are held constant to test the effect of the independent variable upon the dependent variable.  The things that are kept the same in every trial of the experiment.

• control variable
• experimental group
• ecology
• stimulus

A series of steps, done in a particular order, to answer testable (scientific) questions.

• experimental group
• procedure or methods
• conclusion
• convergence

A group of subjects which receive the factor under study.  The group in the experiment that receives the change, or "the different thing", or independent variable.

• independent variable
• experimental group
• hypothesis
• pollution