Nature of Science Vocabulary Quizs

Hypothesis

• The answer to your testable questions. Format: If (independent variable), then (dependent variable), because-explain your scientific reasoning.

• A statement that cannot be tested scientifically.

• A conclusion drawn from a single experiment.

• A generalization based on observations.

Scientific Law

• An explanation of natural phenomena that can change over time.

• A statement about what will happen in nature under certain conditions every time.

• A theory that has not been tested or proven.

• A hypothesis that is widely accepted without evidence.

Controlled Experiment

• Experiment where multiple variables are tested simultaneously.

• Experiment where only one thing is tested (IV) and all other variables are kept constant; controlled.

• Experiment that does not require any control over variables.

• Experiment that is conducted without any hypothesis.

Scientific Theory

• An untested hypothesis about natural phenomena.

• A detailed explanation of HOW or WHY something in nature occurs; for example, Cell Theory.

• A collection of unrelated facts about nature.

• A simple observation without any explanation.

Inference

• Combine what you know with what you have learned and draw conclusions.

• A method of memorizing information without understanding.

• A technique used to confuse the reader.

• A way to summarize information without analysis.

Line graph

• Shows CHANGE over TIME. You can find a trend.

• Displays static data without any changes.

• Illustrates relationships between two unrelated variables.

• Represents data in a circular format.

Qualitative Observation

• Use NUMBERS to describe what you observe.

• Use WORDS to describe what you observe using one or more of your five senses.

• Use IMAGES to represent what you observe visually.

• Use CHARTS to summarize what you observe.

Subjective

• Based on facts and evidence, it remains constant.

• Based on opinions, it can change. Likes, favorites, I think…

• Based on universal truths, it is always the same.

• Based on collective experiences, it is widely accepted.

Test Variable- Independent Variable

• This is what you are changing on PURPOSE to test (IV) and see what happens (DV). This is the ONLY thing we change in a controlled experiment.

• The variable that remains constant throughout the experiment.

• The outcome that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable.

• A variable that is not manipulated but observed.

Model

• An example of something that is either too large to see/understand or too small.

• A representation of a concept or idea.

• A physical object used for demonstration purposes.

• A theoretical framework for understanding phenomena.