Nature of Science Flashcards
Review
Gathering information using your five senses is called making an ______________?
observation
In what tense does an observation occur (past, present, or future) ?
present
Attempting to explain the observations you made, using your prior knowledge is making an _________________
inference
What is the similarity between an observation and an inference?
Both are based off the observation you made in the moment
What is a similarity between qualitative observations and quantitative observations?
Both are observations in which you are collecting information using your 5 senses.
What is a difference between qualitative observations and quantitative observations?
Quantitative include numbers and measurements
Qualitative include descriptions and adjectives.
What are the 3 major categories of Science?
Life science, Physical science, Earth science
Describe Life science and give an example.
Life science is the study of living things and includes topics such as cells, photosynthesis, and life cycle
Describe Physical science and give an example.
Physical Science is the study of energy and matter and includes topics such as the states of matter, phase changes, periodic table, substances and mxitures.
Describe Earth Science and give an example.
Earth science is the study of Earth and space and includes topics such as natural disasters, the rock cycle, and the solar sysyem.
List and describe the steps of the Scientific Method
- State the problem/ask the question
- GATHER information
- State the hypothesis (if IV/then DV format) - NO comparisons
- Test the hypothesis with an experiment (variables ==> IV, DV, Constants, Control)
- Analyze your date
- Draw a conclusion
I am tired of having so many knots in my hair and I want to find a conditioner that will help.
Set up an experiment==>
State the Problem
There are too many knots in my hair
I am tired of having so many knots in my hair and I want to find a conditioner that will help.
Set up an experiment==>
State the Hypothesis
If I use Suave conditioner, then I will have less knots.
I am tired of having so many knots in my hair and I want to find a conditioner that will help.
Set up an experiment==>
State the IV
The brand of conditioner
I am tired of having so many knots in my hair and I want to find a conditioner that will help.
Set up an experiment==>
State the DV
Amount of knots
I am tired of having so many knots in my h air and I want to find a conditioner that will help.
Set up an exeriment==>
State the constants
Amount of conditioner you use, the amount of time you leave it in your hair, if you brush your hair before going into the shower
I am tired of having so many knots in my hair and I want to find a conditioner that will help.
Set up an experiment==>
State the control
Doing a trail without the IV (no conditioner)
How can bias affect the results of an experiment?
It can give misleading results.
How can you ensure valid results and avoid bias?
perform many trials of the same experiment; avoid having a favorite
What are scientific theories?
Explanations of things or events based on the knowledge that was gained from observations and MANY investigations. They are used to explain WHY things happen.
What are scientific laws?
Statements about WHAT happens in nature, that seems to be true all of the time.
What is a similarity between scientific theories and scientific laws?
Both are based on observations and hypotheses.
Both can be used to make predictions.
What is a model?
A model represents things, ideas or events to help understand them better.
Give an example of a model.
an atom, the solar system, building blueprints
What is a measurement standard?
Quantities and measurements that everyone knows and understands, can be compared and used universally.
Give an example of a measurement standard?
inch, foot, meter
What is a measurement unit?
Give an example
The label that comes directly after a number/measurement;
degrees, inches, dollars
What is a measurement tool?
Give an example.
The object you measure with;
scale, ruler, beaker
What tool measures mass?
scale, triple beam, balance
What tool measures volume?
liquid: beaker, measuring spoon
solid: measuring tape
What tool measures length?
ruler, tape measurer
What tool measures time?
clock, stop watch
What tool measures temperature?
thermometer
What does mass measure?
amount of matter in an object
(grams, pounds, etc)
What does volume measure?
amount of space something takes up
(liters, cups, etc)
What does length (width and height) measure?
the distance between 2 points
(meters, inches, etc)
How (what tool) do you measure liquid volume?
beaker, cup
How (what tool) do you measure a cubed object with even sides?
measuring tape, ruler
How (what tool) do you measure a cubed object without even sides?
beaker, cylinder for volume displacement
What formula for finding density/mass/volume?
d = m / v
m = d v
v = m / d
Why are density and speed considered derived units?
They both have 2 units.
(density - mass & volume; speed - distance & time)
Are mass and volume derived units?
NO
What is the basic unit for mass?
kg
What is the basic unit for length?
meters
What is the basic unit for time?
seconds
Why are charts and graphs helpful for scientists?
They allow the data to be displayed and analyzed in organized ways. This allows for analyzing data, drawing conclusions and making predictions.
State 3 differences between line and bar graphs.
- Line Graphs show change over time, bar graphs compare data.
- Line graphs require the x-axis data to be at the line; bar graph x=axis to be between the lines.
- Line graphs you plot and connect dots to make a line; bar graphs you make bars.
State similarities between line and bar graphs.
- Both need an X and Y label
- 3 titles (main, IV, DV)
- DV on y-axis and IV on x-axis
- y-axis data must be at the line
DV: x-axis of y-axis?
y-axis
IV: x-axis of y-axis?
x-axis
State the steps to set up a line or bar graph.
- Label X and Y
- 3 titles
- integers plotted correctly
- plot dots and connect/color
How do you set up the x-axis on a line and bar graph?
Line: IV
Bar: what you are comparing
How do you set up the y-axis on a line and bar graph?
Line and Bar: DV (lowest & highest value)
