Scientific Vocab.
Factual information gathered using our 5 senses
What is an observation
The one factor that scientists purposely change in an experiment.
What is the independent variable (test variable)?
Facts, figures, or evidence collected during an experiment.
What is data?
Each time an experiment is repeated, it is called this.
What is a trial?
A statement based on what you can see, hear, taste, touch, or smell.
What is an observation?
An educated guess about what will happen based on prior knowledge
What is a hypothesis?
The factor that is measured or observed in an experiment.
What is the dependent variable (outcome variable)?
Data that uses numbers or measurements.
What is quantitative data?
Conducting at least 3 trials in an experiment is called this.
What is repetition?
A conclusion based on observations.
What is an inference?
The orderly process where scientists gather evidence to answer a question.
What is the scientific method?
The variables that stay the same throughout an experiment.
What are controlled variables (constants)?
Data that describes qualities or characteristics, not numbers.
What is qualitative data?
When another scientist repeats your experiment exactly, it’s called this.
What is replication?
Saying “The plant grew 5 cm taller” is this type of data.
What is quantitative data?
This type of investigation tests only one variable.
What is a controlled experiment?
A group that does not receive the test variable and is used for comparison.
What is the control group?
Examining data to find patterns.
What does it mean to analyze?
Why do scientists perform 3 trials?
To make sure results are valid and reliable.
Saying “The plant looks healthier than before” is this type of data.
What is qualitative data?
Summarizing results after analyzing the data is called this.
What is a conclusion?
An investigation that has more than one variable being changed.
What is an investigation?
Why should scientists use reliable sources in research?
To ensure the information is accurate and trustworthy.
Replication helps confirm that data is this.
What is reliable and valid?
Predicting “If I add fertilizer, then the plant will grow taller” is an example of this.
What is a hypothesis or prediction?