Inquiry, Scientific Method and Lab Skills Flashcards
What Latin word does science come from
scientia - “knowledge”
What are the major categories of science
Life science, Earth science, Physical science
What is the scientific method
A set of steps used in an investigation
State the Problem
First step in the scientific method, starts with a “how” or “why” question. Scientists ask questions to improve on something
Research and Gathering Information
Second step in the scientific method, it is important to study a problem before starting an experiment
Hypothesis
Third step in the scientific method, it is a plausible explanation for the question or problem based on what you know and what you observe
Test the Hypothesis
Fourth step in the scientific method, some hypotheses are tested by making observations, building models, or using an experiment
What is an experiment
Looks at how one thing affects another under controlled conditions
What is a variable
A factor that can cause change in the results of an experiment; Every experiment has at least two
What is a dependent variable
A variable which value changes according to the changes in other variables
What is an independent variable
A variable that is changed to see how much it affects the dependent variable
What is a constant
A factor in an experiment that does not change
To keep an investigation fair…
All factors besides the dependent and independent variables must be changed
What is a control
Used to compare the results of the experiment
Analyze Data
Fifth step in the scientific method, the data gathered from an experiment is graphed and charted
Drawing Conclusions
Sixth step in the scientific method, scientists look at their data and decide whether the data supports the hypothesis or not
What is a bias
Occurs in an experiment when a scientist expects something to happen and lets this influence how the results are viewed
What is a model
Represents an idea, event, or object to help people better understand it; It can be a scaled down version of something, or a drawing on paper, or a digital program
What is a simulator
Creates conditions found in real life
What is a scientific theory
A way of explaining things or events based on what has been learned from many observations. When observations and investigations continue to support a hypothesis, that becomes a theory
What is a scientific law
A statement about what happens in nature and seems to be true all the time. It does not explain why or how it will work
What is technology
The application of science to help people
Examples: Nuclear energy, new material from chemists
