1.1 What is Science

The process of noticing and describing events or processes in a careful, orderly way; using your 5 senses

• inference

• observation

• investigation

• hypothesis

Answer explanation

Observations are data, measurements, or other information gathered with our senses

A logical interpretation based on prior knowledge or experience

• observation

• law

• theory

• inference

Answer explanation

Inferences are a "story" or "guess" about what has happened or what will happen next

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A possible explanation for a set of observations or possible answer to a scientific question.

• inference

• observation

• hypothesis

• theory

Answer explanation

hypotheses must be testable and observable

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A experiment in which only one variable is changed

• controlled experiment

• observation

• scientific law

• control group

Answer explanation

Controlled experiments ensure that the observed results are not just random events, and that another variable did not cause the results we observed.

This factor in a controlled experiment is deliberately changed; it is what's being studied. It is also known as the manipulated variable.

• responding variable

• controlled variable

• dependent variable

• independent variable

Answer explanation

Each controlled experiment should only have one independent variable.

In a controlled experiment, this variable is observed. It changes in response to the independent variable. It is also called the responding variable.

• dependent variable

• manipulated variable

• controlled variable

• hypothetical variable

Answer explanation

the Data you collect in an experiment is the Dependent variable (they both start with D!)

In a controlled experiment, this group has all the same conditions as the experimental group EXCEPT for one independent variable. It is used for comparison.

• independent group

• dependent group

• control group

• observed group

Answer explanation

A control group enables the experimental study of one variable at a time and compare to what the results would be if no experimental treatment was performed.

This is evidence or information gathered from observations

• data

• inferences

• measurements

• guesses

Answer explanation

Fun fact: the word "data" is the plural form of the word "datum" which means an individual piece of evidence. It can be hard to remember that when we're trying to make our subject & verb agree in a sentence!

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This well-tested explanation unifies a wide range of observations and hypotheses; it allows a scientist to make predictions about new situations

• observation

• hypothesis

• theory

• law

Answer explanation

theories try to explain WHY or HOW a certain phenomenon happens
laws explain WHAT we will see given a certain phenomenon

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NGSS.HS-ESS1-2

Which of the following is NOT one of the goals of science?

• provide natural and testable explanations for events in the natural world

• use explanations supported by data to understand patterns in nature

• to find the one correct answer or fact about a natural phenomena

• to make useful predictions about natural events

Answer explanation

Scientists are always testing, experimenting, and debating new information, this leads to revised explanations all the time!

When we know better, we do better!

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