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DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS

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Science

Is a way or a process used to investigate what is happening around you.

It can give us: possible answers to questionssolutions to problems

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Scientific Theory

is an explanation that is supported by facts.

Scientists use the word theory to describe ideas that have been well tested and have data that provides evidence for the idea .

Scientists also form laws , which are rules that describe a pattern in nature, like gravity.

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Background Research / Information

Scientists research to find out what is already known about a topic

This helps in making a prediction or forming a hypothesis

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Bias

When personal opinions or points of view interfere with an investigation

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Bar GraphGraph used for showing comparisons

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Communication

Sharing the results of an investigation through presentations and journal articles

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Conclusion

The final summary of an investigation.

It includes a restatement of the question and hypothesis, discusses the data, what the data means, problems with the research, ways to carry the research further, why the research is important

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Controlled Variables

Variables that could change, but are not allowed to; also called constants

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DataThe observations and results of an

experiment.

In an experimental investigation, the dependent variable is the data.

Numerical data is recorded in data tables, other types of data are recorded in data charts

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Data TableA place recording quantitative data in rows and

columns

Fertilizer Average Height

(cm)

Super Grow

34

Fast Grow 22Slow Grow 16No Grow 3

Give your chart a TITLE

Make room for recording your

DATA

Label the type of

observationHOW HIGH CAN THEY GROW?

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Dependent Variable

In an experimental investigation, what is observed and measured : the data

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Experimental Design

The plan for deciding how to answer a scientific question

The materials and procedures used to conduct an experiment

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Experimental Research

Investigations that involve variables

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Control

Something used to compare results with.

The independent variable is not used or applied to it.

Example. Plant without fertilizer

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Independent Variable

The variable that is changed, tested or manipulated by the scientist.

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Line GraphUsed for showing changes or trends

Stu

dent

Mem

bers

hip

(in m

illio

ns)

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Materials

The supplies used to conduct an investigation

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Pattern

Data that repeats itself in a similar way

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Prediction / Hypothesis

Educated guesses about how an investigation will turn out.

A hypothesis is a special kind of prediction - it is a prediction about the relationship between variables

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Procedure

The step-by-step instructions for conducting an investigation.

Includes what and how variables will be changed and measured; includes repeated trials

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Qualitative

Data that describes qualities or characteristics

Examples Color Sound Taste

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Quantitative

Data that is numerical; usually gathered using tools

Examples Mass Distance Volume Time Temperature