Nature of Science Vocabulary

How scientists gain knowledge about the world. Begins with an observation and phenomena.

• Scientific Investigation

• Control Group

• Scientific Method

• Scientific Model

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Gathering information using the senses (sight, sound, hearing, touch, taste)

• Hypothesis

• Experiment

• Observation

• Inference

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

Using controlled tests and observations to gather information.

• Analysis

• Inference

• Control Group

• Experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-3

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A testable idea or explanation that leads to an investigation. Written as an If.. then.. because.. statement

• Inference

• Hypothesis

• Analysis

• Scientific Theory

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS3-2

NGSS.HS-PS1-2

Any factor that changes in an experiment.

• Variable

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Fact

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

The variable that you change in an experiment. Also called the manipulated variable.

• Variable

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Fact

What changes in response to the independent variable. You measure this as a result; also called the responding variable.

• Variable

• Independent Variable

• Dependent Variable

• Fact

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-2

Information gathered by observation or experimentation. Can be numerical, such as measurements, or descriptive, such as color or texture.

• Fact

• Data

• Inference

• Experiment

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Data that describes observations. For example, color, shape, or texture. Not expressed as a number.

• Qualitative

• Quantitative

Numerical Data such as time, distance, or size. Expressed as a number.

• Qualitative

• Quantitative

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-1