Nature of Science Flashcards
Scientific Law
a proven explanation for a phenomenon
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Guiding Questions
questions that lead to a deeper understanding by arousing curiosity and interest
Qualitative Data
data which is described rather than measured
Scientific Method
a series of deliberate steps by which scientists observe, hypothesize, test, analyze data, and communicate results
Control Group
a group of specimens in an experiment to which no change is made; does not receive the experimental treatment
Conclusion
a summary of the results of an experiment; states whether the initial hypothesis was rejected or supported
Communicate
share or exchange information
Elaborate (5E Model)
Fourth phase of 5E model. students extend their thinking and practice new skills.
Organization
students store new information and relate it to what they already know and understand about the world
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.
Peer Review
the process of fact-checking by other experts in the same field; ensures the quality of published work
Explore (5E Model)
Second phase of 5E model. students work with the material, developing their knowledge, and usually actively manipulating materials or interactive content.
Dependent Variable
a variable that is measured by the scientist conducting the experiment
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.
Experimental Investigation
Researchers assign subjects in the sample to certain treatments, then observe the effects of the treatment. Can show causation (cause and effect).
Galileo Galilei
Improved the telescope and used it to prove Copernicus’ heliocentric theory.
Accommodation
occurs when existing schemas cannot be applied to new objects or situations, and must therefore be adapted and revised
Independent Variable
a variable that is manipulated by the scientist conducting the experiment to see if that causes a change
Predict
say or estimate that an event will occur in the future
Experimental Group
a group of specimens in an experiment to which a change is made; receives the experimental treatment
Hypothesis
an informed prediction (made based on previous observations) for a phenomena. Should be testable.
Variables
factors affecting the outcome of an experimental investigation
Inquiry-Based Activities
activities that allow students to participate in the scientific method with little guidance from the teacher
Observation
information gathered using the five senses
Dmitri Mendeleev
A chemist (1834-1907) who published the first periodic table with elements arranged by mass
Activate Prior Knowledge
helping students remember what they already know about the topic
Classify
arrange in groups according to shared qualities or characteristics
Feedback Loop
a series of experiments in which the results lead to more possible hypotheses and subsequently more testing
Discrepant Events
events with unexpected outcomes
Assimilation
A process in which existing schemas are applied to new objects or situations
Explain (5E Model)
Third phase of 5E model. students explain what they know and verbalize their understanding. Teachers use this phase to formally define terms and explain processes.
Questioning Strategies
techniques used to ask questions in a way that requires students to use the thinking that the teacher is trying to develop
Quantitative Data
data which is measured and usually expressed numerically
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
Scaffolding
a method of teaching that involves gradually removing aids when teaching new concepts
Scientific Theory
a proposed explanation for a phenomenon which may not be testable
Darwin’s Theory of evolution
Evaluate (5E Model)
Final (fifth) phase of 5E model. students are assessed on their understanding and teachers evaluate learning to inform their next lesson.
Inference
a conclusion based on evidence, observation, and reasoning
Scientific Knowledge
scientific fact discovered using the scientific method
Disequilibrium
occurs when a child cannot use existing schemas to comprehend new information
Measure
using an instrument/device to determine the size, amount, or degree of (something)
Engage (5E Model)
First phase of 5E model. students become mentally engaged, make connections to previous learning, and think about their own learning outcomes.
Data
measurements and observations recorded during an experiment
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.
Risk Assessment
the process by which scientists analyze potential risks and benefits before conducting scientific investigations and experiments
Fossil Fuels
a natural non-renewable fuel source. derived from underground, fossilized (petrified) remains of living organisms.
Global Warming / Climate Change
an overall increase in average global temperatures due to the greenhouse effect (the increasing amount of carbon dioxide in Earth’s atmosphere trapping more heat)
Non-Renewable Resources
resources which will be depleted faster than they can be replenished
Renewable Resources
resources which replenish at the same (or faster) rate than the rate at which they are used
Negative Feedback
a type of input into a system in which the result causes the system to return closer to previous conditions
Function
the job or purpose of an object or part of a system
Physical Models
a smaller or larger replica of an object done to scale
Dynamic
Property of a system to constantly change in response to a stimulus
Evolution
The gradual change in populations over time
Boundaries
limits that define what is, and what is not, part of the system under study
Models
physical, mathematical, or visual representations of scientific phenomena
Form
the shape of an object or part of a system
System Model
a conceptual model of all of the parts of a system, including planning, goals, analysis, solution, testing, implementation, and evaluation
Output
a result of input into a system
human shivering to increase temperature when it is cold
Equilibrium (of a System)
A system in balance; no forces acting on objects within the system
System
The set of objects under study. Everything else is the environment.
living organism, solar system
Evidence
data gathered in the course of scientific investigation, including measurements taken and observations made using the five senses
Subsystem
part of a system; generally focuses on one parameter of a system
Mathematical Models
models that use mathematical formulas, variables, and language to refer to relationships and processes in a system
Feedback Loop (in Systems)
the part of a system in which some (or all) of the system’s output is used as input for future operations
Natural Phenomena
natural events produced by natural forces which cause noticeable changes to the earth’s surface
Conceptual Models
a representation of a system using diagrams or drawings to explain complex or abstract systems or processes
Input
something put into a system that causes change
The Metric System
a standard system of measurement based on powers of 10.
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
