8th Grade SSA Vocab Nature of Science Review

The factor measured or observed during an experiment.

• dependent variable (outcome variable)

• independent variable (test variable)

• constant

• control

The factor the scientist is testing.

• independent variable (test variable)

• dependent variable (outcome variable)

• control

• constant

Factors in an experiment that are unchanged.

• independent variable (test variable)

• dependent variable (outcome variable)

• constant

• control

The group that does not receive the independent (test) variable.

• independent group

• constant group

• experimental group

• control group

A possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations.

• prediction

• hypothesis

• inference

• claim

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

An explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations.

• scientific statement

• scientific law

• scientific theory

• scientific explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A rule that describes a pattern in nature.

• scientific explanation

• scientific law

• scientific theory

• scientific statement

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-1

A logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience.

• hypothesis

• prediction

• inference

• theory

Information that is obtained through observation or experimentation.

• empirical evidence

• observation

• prediction

• hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

The process of a scientist completing multiple trials of their own experiment.

• observation

• experimentation

• replication

• repetition