Science Skills
Scientific Inquiry
Branches of Earth Science
Science Vocabulary
Science, Technology, and Scientists
100

This skill uses your senses or tools to gather information. 

Observing

100

This is the study of the natural world and the development of evidence-based explanations. 

Scientific inquiry 

100

Studies Earth's oceans 

Oceanography 

100

A description of an observed pattern in nature 

scientific law 

100

This scientist studies Earth's oceans 

Oceanographer 

200

Seeing dark clouds and concluding that it will rain is an example of this.

Inference

200

This variable is deliberately changed by a scientist. 

Manipulated variable 

200

Studies weather and the atmosphere 

meteorology 

200

Scientists use these to represent complex objects and processes 

models

200

This scientist studies weather and atmosphere 

Meteorologist 
300

Information collected during a scientific investigation is called this. 

Data

300

This variable is measured or observed as a result of a change 

Responding variable 

300

Studies Earth's processes and history

geology

300

This is the use of knowledge to meet needs or solve problems 

technology 

300

This person designs and builds solutions to problems 

engineer 

400

A testable proposed explanation is called this. 

Hypothesis 

400

A student changes the amount of water given to plants and measures plant height. What is the manipulated variable? 

Amount of water 

400

Studies objects and phenomena in space 

astronomy 

400

A well-supported explanation for a broad range of evidence is called this

Scientific theory 

400

What is one major difference with science and technology? 

Science studies and seeks to understand the natural world; technology applies knowledge to solve problems or meet human needs 

500

What is different between an observation and inference?

Observation is information gathered directly using the 5 senses or tools. An inference is a logical conclusion based on observations/evidence. 

500

A student changes the amount of water given to a plant and measures the plant height. What is the responding variable? 

Plant height 

500

Studies interactions between humans and the environment 

Environmental science 

500

Explain one difference between a scientific law and theory 

Law focuses on observed patterns in nature; theory is a well-supported explanation with evidence 

500

Give an example of technology that solves a human problem and explain the problem it solves. 

Many answers...