Lesson 1: What is Science?

Question 1

theory

Answer 1

• highly reliable scientific conclusions based on data, observations, and inferences, but are NOT testable or proven

Question 2

qualitative data

Answer 2

• descriptive data using your 5 senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell)

Question 3

quantitative data

Answer 3

• numbers obtained by counting/measuring/calculating; using your brain

Question 4

data

Answer 4

• two main types

Question 5

control group

Answer 5

• exposed to the same conditions as the dependent variable, but not exposed to the independent variable

Question 6

dependent variable

Answer 6

• variable that is observed and changed in response to the independent variable

Question 7

independent variable

Answer 7

• the variable that is deliberately changed in an experiment

Question 8

controlled experiment

Answer 8

• an experiment in which all variables but one are kept unchanged, or controlled

Question 9

hypotheses

Answer 9

• a tentative scientific explanation that can be tested by further observation or by experimentation

Question 10

inference

Answer 10

• a logical interpretation based on what scientists already know

Question 11

observation

Answer 11

• the act of describing events or processes in a careful, orderly way

Question 12

Science is . . .

Answer 12

• the use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomena, as well as the knowledge generated through this PROCESS

Question 13

Scientific Method

Answer 13

• ask a scientific, investigatable question
• form a hypothesis
• plan, research, or experiment/test
• record data
• interpret results/data
• draw conclusion: proven or disproven
• communicate results

Question 14

scientific inquiry

Answer 14

• the process of asking meaningfull questions and looking for answers to those questions; the question must me one that can be investigated