Science Basics
The Latin word scire, which gives us the word science, means this.
What is to know?
Using sight, touch, smell, hearing, or taste to gather information is called this.
What is observing?
This variable is deliberately changed by the scientist.
What is the independent variable?
This tool measures temperature.
What is a thermometer?
This branch of science studies living things.
What is biology?
Science begins with this process of looking at the natural world.
What is observation?
Grouping objects based on their shared characteristics is called this.
What is classifying?
This variable is tested and measured during an experiment.
What is the dependent variable?
This tool measures mass.
What is a balance scale?
This branch studies different types of matter and how they combine.
What is chemistry?
Scientists use this process to test their predictions.
What is the scientific method?
Using words or graphics to describe events is called this.
What is communicating?
A factor that stays the same throughout an experiment is called this.
What is a constant?
This tool is used to view objects too small to see with the naked eye.
What is a microscope?
This branch studies matter, energy, and forces.
What is physics?
Explanations based on personal beliefs or superstition are classified this way.
What is non-scientific?
This means forming a likely explanation based on observations.
What is inferring?
Scientists perform repeated trials to reduce the effects of these unusual data points.
What are outliers?
This graph is best for tracking change over time.
What is a line graph?
This branch studies planets, stars, and the universe.
What is astronomy?
Scientists do this when they look closely at patterns and use them to draw conclusions.
What is analysis?
This means determining the most likely outcome of a future event based on patterns.
What is predicting?
An operating version of a solution, sometimes made with different materials from the final product, is called this.
What is a prototype?
This graph is best for comparing different groups.
What is a bar graph?
Scientists are developing renewable energy sources such as sunlight and this moving air source instead of fossil fuels.
What is wind?