Define Key Scientific Concepts

What is an observation?

• The process of collecting data through the senses or measurement tools.

• Analyzing data to draw a conclusion.

• A feeling I have in my gut.

• A law.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS2-5

What is an experiment?

• A procedure in which variables are manipulated and data is collected to serve as the basis for evidence needed answer a scientific question.

• When we blow things up!

• WHat they served for breakfast this morning.

• An answer to a scientific question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is evidence?

• Data that is analyzed and interpreted to support or refute a claim.

• A statement that makes something interesting.

• The name of a character in Star Wars.

• A hypothesis.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

What is an explanation?

• A statement that uses evidence to support a claim about how or why something in nature happens.

• An opinion someone has on why they believe something is right.

• Fake news seen on social media.

• Something that only lawyers need to know about.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-5

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

What is a hypothesis?

• A proposed, testable explanation for something that happens in nature.

• A question.

• The name of a new super virus.

• The answer to a testable question.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

What is a model?

• A representation of an idea or process.

• Someone who shows off new clothes.

• An answer to a hypothesis.

• Measuring and recording data.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ETS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS1-2

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

What is data?

• A collection of measurements or observations.

• Observations made from watching how animals interact.

• A character from Star Trek.

• Tools used to conduct an experiment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

What is a theory?

• A scientific explanation that explains a wide range of phenomena and is supported by a great deal of evidence.

• The results of an experiment.

• Your opinion on a given topic.

• There is no such thing as theories.

In science, what is a "law"?

• A rule, statement or mathematical equation that describes a pattern observed in the natural world.

• An observation in which variables are manipulated

• Collecting data.

• Data that is analyzed and interpreted to support or refute a claim.

What is an argument?

• The process of using evidence to support or refute claims.

• How every Jerry Springer show ends.

• A proposed, testable explanation for something that happens in nature.

• Measurements and data from an experiment.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-3

NGSS.MS-PS3-5