Nature of Science Flashcards
Scientific Method
a series of deliberate steps by which scientists observe, hypothesize, test, analyze data, and communicate results
Positive Correlation
a positive relationship between data points on a graph; as one variable increases, so does the other; produces a trend line with a positive slope
Dependent Variable
a variable that is measured by the scientist conducting the experiment
In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the plant growth would be the dependent variable since it depends on the amount of light.
Negative Correlation
a negative relationship between data points on a graph; as one variable decreases, the other variable increases; produces a trend line with a negative slope
Accuracy
a set of different values which are close to a true value. When measuring with a tool, the tool is accurate to 1/2 of the smallest measuring unit
a group of darts near the target
Variables
factors affecting the outcome of an experimental investigation
the amount of water given to a plant might be the indepedent variable
Independent Variable
a variable that is manipulated by the scientist conducting the experiment to see if that causes a change
In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the amount of light would be the independent variable since it affects the amount of growth.
Control Group
a group of specimens in an experiment to which no change is made; does not receive the experimental treatment
In an experiment investigating the effect of talk therapy on alleviating depression, the group receiving only the medicine would be the control group.
Trend Line
a line drawn through the areas with the highest concentration of data points on a scatter plot; the trend line is a visual representation of the mean
No Correlation
no relationship between data points on a graph; the variables do not appear to be related, and no trend line can be drawn through the data points
Waft
Wave the air toward the face. The safe way to smell a test tube.
Experimental Group
a group of specimens in an experiment to which a change is made; receives the experimental treatment
In an experiment investigating the effect of talk therapy on alleviating depression, the group receiving the medicine and the therapy would be the experimental group.
Precision
a set of different values which are close to one another
a group of darts near one another
Conclusion
a summary of the results of an experiment; states whether the initial hypothesis was rejected or supported
Tolerance (in stats)
the amount of measurement error that is allowed
Bar Graph
a visual representation of data which compares values in different categories
the number of people who prefer each genre of movie
Scatter Plot
a graph made by making one point for each value; the independent variable is shown on the x-axis and the dependent variable is shown on the y-axis
Data
measurements and observations recorded during an experiment
Experimental Investigation
Researchers assign subjects in the sample to certain treatments, then observe the effects of the treatment. Can show causation (cause and effect).
Does using algebra tiles during instruction help freshman students learn how to solve equations?
Measurement
a number that shows the size or amount of something
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
a standardized information sheet for a substance; includes information about health risks, safe disposal and cleanup of spills, and environmental risks
Tare
to set a balance equal to zero to ensure an accurate measurement with no contaminants
Controlled Variable
a variable that is kept stable throughout the experiment, across control and experimental groups, to ensure that any difference in the dependent variable is because of the independent variable.
In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the amount of water would be a controlled variable since it is not being studied.
Histogram
a visual representation of data which compares frequencies of different numeral intervals
Meniscus
the downward curve on the surface of a liquid caused by the adhesion of the liquid on the glassware
Hypothesis
an informed prediction (made based on previous observations) for a phenomena. Should be testable.
If we give plants more fertilizer, they will grow taller.
Pie Chart
a graph in which a circle is divided into sectors that each represent a proportion of the whole. Pie charts are helpful when displaying the relative distribution of categories.
Margin of Error
deviation or variation of a value from the correct or expected value to allow for error in equipment or calculations
Outlier
a data point either much larger than or much smaller than the other data points in the set.
Observation
information gathered using the five senses
smell, color
Bias (in Science)
process where a scientist’s assumptions or previous knowledge cause the scientist to influence the investigation, whether consciously or subconsciously
a scientist chooses subjects for a study which are more likely to give results that support the hypothesis being tested
Output
a result of input into a system
human shivering to increase temperature when it is cold
Peer Review
the process of fact-checking by other experts in the same field; ensures the quality of published work
Models
physical, mathematical, or visual representations of scientific phenomena
a diagram of the eye
Input
something put into a system that causes change
temperature changes in environment
Evolution
The gradual change in populations over time
tortoise neck length changing over time in response to changing available vegetation
Equilibrium (of a System)
A system in balance; no forces acting on objects within the system
A pendulum has stopped and hangs downward.
Form
the shape of an object or part of a system
the shape of a bird’s wings
Negative Feedback
a type of input into a system in which the result causes the system to return closer to previous conditions
body temperature regulation
Positive Feedback
a type of input into a system in which the result causes the system to continue on the path in which it was headed before the input
global warming
Evidence
data gathered in the course of scientific investigation, including measurements taken and observations made using the five senses
System
The set of objects under study. Everything else is the environment.
living organism, solar system
Natural Phenomena
natural events produced by natural forces which cause noticeable changes to the earth’s surface
tornadoes, tsunamis
Dynamic
Property of a system to constantly change in response to a stimulus
volcanic eruptions from geothermal pressure
The Metric System
a standard system of measurement based on powers of 10.
meters, liters, grams
Function
the job or purpose of an object or part of a system
the purpose of a bird’s wings (flight)
Dimensional Analysis / Unit Analysis
B
the process of converting within or between systems by multiplying by factors of 1 in various forms
q
u
n
i
t
A
×
r
u
n
i
t
B
s
u
n
i
t
A
×
t
u
n
i
t
C
u
u
n
i
t
x
u
n
i
t
C
q unit A ×
s unit A
r unit B
×
u unit B
t unit C
=x unit C
Dimensional Analysis / Unit Analysis
the process of converting within or between systems by multiplying by factors of 1 in various forms
q unit A × (r unit B/s unit A) x (t unit C/u unit B) = x unit C
Proportion
A statement that two ratios are equivalent.
2/3 = 4/6
Scientific Notation
Numbers expressed as the product of a base-10 number and a number between 1 and 10
2.56x10=25.6
4.32x10^-4=.000432
Significant Figures
digits of a number used to indicate the accuracy of the measurement
101 has three significant figures and is accurate to the ones place
Heliocentricity
The accepted astronomical model that the sun is at the center of our solar system. The theory was put forth by Copernicus in 1543 and expanded upon by Galileo in 1632.
Scientific Knowledge
scientific fact discovered using the scientific method
Gregor Mendel
A biologist credited as the father of modern genetics. He worked with pea plants and observed consistent ratios in specific crosses, leading to his terming of dominant and recessive genes.
Dmitri Mendeleev
A chemist (1834-1907) who published the first periodic table with elements arranged by mass
Galileo Galilei
improved the telescope and used it to prove Copernicus’ heliocentric theory.
Charles Darwin
an English naturalist who developed the idea of natural selection and theory of evolution; these ideas were published in the book On the Origin of Species
Risk Assessment
the process by which scientists analyze potential risks and benefits before conducting scientific investigations and experiments
Peer Review
the process of fact-checking by other experts in the same field; ensures the quality of published work
