Nature of Science Flashcards
What does DRY stand for?
Dependent Responding variable - this is plotted on the Y axis.
What does MIX stand for?
Manipulates - Independent variable - plotted on the X axis.
dependent variable
the variable that is changing - because it DEPENDS on the other variable.
independent variable
this variable does not rely on any other variables to change - it is INDEPENDENT
control group
receives no experimental treatment
experimental group
control group except for one independent variable
One way you can make your data more accurate is by have a __________________ sample size.
larger
Scientific Method - 7 steps
- Make observations and ask questions.
- Background research
- Formulate a hypothesis
- Set up an experiment
- Collect and analyze data
- Draw conclusions
- Communicate the results.
qualitative data
expressed in words - a description
EX - The frog looked green.
quantitative data
expressed in numbers - a measurement
EX - 50 frogs had deformities in treated water
What does it mean to draw conclusions?
Explain what the data tells you. Does it support or refute (deny) your hypothesis?
Inference
a logical interpretation based on what scientists already know
observation
what you see
hypothesis
scientific explanation for a set of observations
What is science?
An organized way of gathering and analyzing evidence to learn about the natural world.
Goals of science
- 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
Observation
a specific piece of information gathered through the senses
Fact
An observation that has been repeatedly verified by many observers. These are generally accepted as accurate.
Hypothesis
A tentative statement about the natural world. It leads to PREDICTIONS THAT CAN BE TESTED.
Prediction
A statement that follows logically from a hypothesis. Scientists test these by collecting data. Describes an outcome but does not provide an explanation.
Theory
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.
Law
Describes HOW things behave. Every time a law is tested, it holds true.
