Nature of Science
This term names the three broad areas of science that study life, Earth, and physical matter and energy.
life (biology), Earth (geology), and physical science (physics & chemistry)
The trait where scientists use their senses to gather information.
observation
The kind of investigation usually done in a lab where most variables can be controlled.
laboratory experiment
The modern version of the metric system used by scientists worldwide.
International System of Units (SI)
Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered during investigations are called this.
data
The practice of sharing methods and results so other scientists can check and comment; it helps build general agreement.
openness and peer review
The trait that means "not accepting everything you hear; asking questions" before accepting information.
What is skepticism
The variable that is deliberately changed by the experimenter to test its effect.
independent variable
A measurement description that includes both a number and a unit (for example, 5 seconds) is called this
measurement
This graph type shows continuous change over time and is useful for showing trends.
line graph
Evidence gained through the senses — observations and measurements — is called this.
What is empirical evidence?
The trait that requires setting aside personal feelings and being unbiased when evaluating results.
objectivity
The variable that is measured to gather results of the experiment.
dependent variable
How much matter an object contains — not the same as weight.
mass
A graph with points plotted to show a possible relationship between two sets of data; often uses a line of best fit.
scatter plot
A system of ideas supported by a large amount of evidence that explains many related observations; it is rarely rejected but may be modified.
scientific theory
The trait involving imagination and original thinking used to come up with new solutions.
creativity
The part of an experiment that is identical to the experimental group except the independent variable is not changed.
control (or control group)
Prefix meaning 1×10^-3
milli
This display shows parts of a whole in percentages and must add up to 100%.
circle graph (pie chart)
A belief or practice that uses incorrectly applied scientific methods, gives vague evidence, and usually cannot be tested.
pseudoscience
Put these five traits in the correct group: observe, curiosity, creativity, logic, skepticism, objectivity. (Answer: name two that are thinking skills and two that are attitudes.)
Thinking skills: logic, observation (or creativity); Attitudes: curiosity, skepticism (or objectivity). (Accept reasonable grouping with brief justification.)
When other scientists repeat an experiment to see if they get the same results, this is called what?
replication
Explain briefly how a qualitative observation can become quantitative.
By measuring length with a ruler (adding a number and unit) a description like "the stick is long" (qualitative) becomes "the stick is 23.5 cm long" (quantitative).
Name two features that make a good scientific investigation related to data reliability.
replication (multiple trials) and controls; also: large sample size, clear procedures, and openness to peer critique.