Module 1

Question 1

Observation

Answer 1

Gathering information using senses or with the aid of instruments

Question 2

Qualitative observations

Answer 2

Observations made using one of the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, or hearing

Question 3

Quantitative observations

Answer 3

Observations made with instruments such as rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, thermometers, etc.

Question 4

Hypothesis

Answer 4

A possible, testable explanation for one or more observations or a suggested, testable answer to a question

Question 5

Controlled experiment

Answer 5

An investigation in which the factors that influence the outcome are kept the same except for one, the factor being studied

Question 6

Variable

Answer 6

A factor that changes in an experiment

Question 7

Scientific theory

Answer 7

An in-depth explanation of a range of phenomena in the natural world that has been thoroughly tested and is supported by a significant amount of evidence

Question 8

Inference

Answer 8

Logical conclusion drawn from observations, previous knowledge, and available information

Question 9

Scientific model

Answer 9

Useful simplification used to make it easier to understand things that might be too difficult to directly observe