Nature of Science

Question 1

What does DRY stand for?

Answer 1

Dependent Responding variable - this is plotted on the Y axis.

Question 2

What does MIX stand for?

Answer 2

Manipulates - Independent variable - plotted on the X axis.

Question 3

dependent variable

Answer 3

the variable that is changing - because it DEPENDS on the other variable.

Question 4

independent variable

Answer 4

this variable does not rely on any other variables to change - it is INDEPENDENT

Question 5

control group

Answer 5

receives no experimental treatment

Question 6

experimental group

Answer 6

control group except for one independent variable

Question 7

One way you can make your data more accurate is by have a __________________ sample size.

Answer 7

larger

Question 8

Scientific Method - 7 steps

Answer 8

1. Make observations and ask questions.
2. Background research
3. Formulate a hypothesis
4. Set up an experiment
5. Collect and analyze data
6. Draw conclusions
7. Communicate the results.

Question 9

qualitative data

Answer 9

expressed in words - a description

EX - The frog looked green.

Question 10

quantitative data

Answer 10

expressed in numbers - a measurement

EX - 50 frogs had deformities in treated water

Question 11

What does it mean to draw conclusions?

Answer 11

Explain what the data tells you. Does it support or refute (deny) your hypothesis?

Question 12

Inference

Answer 12

a logical interpretation based on what scientists already know

Question 13

observation

Answer 13

what you see

Question 14

hypothesis

Answer 14

scientific explanation for a set of observations

Question 15

What is science?

Answer 15

An organized way of gathering and analyzing evidence to learn about the natural world.

Question 16

Goals of science

Answer 16

• investigate and understand natural world
• explain events in the natural world
• use explanations to understand patterns in nature and make useful predictions about natural events

Question 17

Observation

Answer 17

a specific piece of information gathered through the senses

Question 18

Fact

Answer 18

An observation that has been repeatedly verified by many observers. These are generally accepted as accurate.

Question 19

Hypothesis

Answer 19

A tentative statement about the natural world. It leads to PREDICTIONS THAT CAN BE TESTED.

Question 20

Prediction

Answer 20

A statement that follows logically from a hypothesis. Scientists test these by collecting data. Describes an outcome but does not provide an explanation.

Question 21

Theory

Answer 21

A comprehensive explanation of some aspect of the natural world that has been extensively tested and is widely accepted. It incorporates facts and confirmed hypotheses. EXPLAINS WHY THINGS BEHAVE THE WAY THEY DO.

Question 22

Law

Answer 22

Describes HOW things behave. Every time a law is tested, it holds true.