Science and Engineering Practices

Question 1

Scientific Method

Answer 1

The way scientists study and learn about the world.

Question 2

Observation

Answer 2

Using your five senses to gather information about something.

Question 3

Qualitative Observation

Answer 3

Using senses to describe the characteristics of an object-color, texture, and taste.

Examples:

• Smooth texture
• Brightly colored
• Smells bad

Question 4

Quantitative Observation

Answer 4

Using numbers or measurements to describe something.

Examples:

• 10 meters
• 450 milliliters
• 176 grams

Question 5

Inference

Answer 5

An explanation of an observation based on prior knowledge.

Question 6

Hypothesis

Answer 6

A prediction based on prior knowledge. Always written in a if then statement.

Examples:

IF I put the ice cube in the sun, THEN the ice cube will melt.

Question 7

Variable

Answer 7

Any factor that can be manipulated, controlled for, or measured in an experiment.

Types:

Dependent

Independant

Controlled

Question 8

Control Variable

Answer 8

What must stay the same in the experiment.

Question 9

Independent Variable

Answer 9

The thing that you are testing or changing in an experiment. Graphed on the X-axis.

Question 10

Dependent Variable

Answer 10

What you are measuring or observing in an experiment. Graphed on the Y-axis.

Question 11

C-E-R

Answer 11

C- Claim

E- Evidence

R- Reasoning

Question 12

Claim

Answer 12

The answer to the question you’re trying to answer.

Question 13

Evidence

Answer 13

Scientific data that supports your claim.

Question 14

Reasoning

Answer 14

The how or why the evidence supports our clam; scientific rule

Question 15

Conclusion

Answer 15

You state whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results.