Nature of Science Vocabulary

An idea that can be tested by experimenting, an educated guess  

• Hypothesis
• Prediction
• Constants
• Outcome Variable

The variable that is changed on purpose by the experimenter. May also be called the independent variable

• Hypothesis
• Test Variable
• Outcome Variable
• Constants

The factor whose value is the result of the test variable. The factor that is being measured. May also be called the dependent variable.

• Hypothesis
• Test Variable
• Outcome Variable
• Constants

All of the factors that must be kept the same so that there is only one test variable in an experiment

• Hypothesis
• Test Variable
• Outcome Variable
• Constants

A graph used to represent data that shows a continuous change over time.

• Bar Graph
• Line Graph
• Scientific Method
• Constants

A graph that is used to represent data that is not continuous. May be just showing the average of multiple trials.

• Bar Graph
• Line Graph
• Scientific Method
• Constants

A step-by- step problem solving approach that involves identifying a problem, testing a hypothesis, collecting and interpreting data objectively, and making a conclusion

• Bar Graph
• Line Graph
• Scientific Method
• Constants

An idea that explains many related observations and is supported by a large body of empirical evidence acquired through scientific investigation. Has been well tested. Is not an explanation of a single fact but many fact.

• Theory
• Law
• Scientific Method
• None of these

Expresses a relationship between two or more variables, is a description of an observed phenomenon, is often mathematically supported.

• Theory
• Law
• Scientific Method
• None of these

Same experiment performed by a different person.

• Replication
• Repetition
• Precision
• Accuracy