Scientific Behavior Flashcards
Material safety data sheets
A standardized information sheet for a substance; includes information about health risks, safe disposal and clean up of spills, and environmental risks
Accommodation
Occurs when existing schemas cannot be applied to new objects or situations, and must therefore be adapted and revised
Conclusion
A summary of the results of an experiment; states whether the initial hypothesis was rejected or supported
Hypothesis
And informed prediction (made based on previous observations) for a phenomenon. Should be testable
Precision
A set of different values which are close to one another
The Metric System
A standard system a measurement based on Powers a 10.
Experimental Group
A group of specimens in an experiment to which a change is made; receives experimental treatment
Line Graph
A visual representation of data which shows change over time or in response to a manipulated variable
Single-Variable Research
Type of nonexperimental investigation in which the researcher and makes observations before and after the application of a treatment or question
Organization
Student store new information and relate it to what they already know and understand about the world
Charles Darwin
An English naturalist who developed the idea of natural selection in theory of evolution these ideas were published in the book On the Origin of Species
Scientific Theory
A proposed exclamation for a phenomenon which may not be testable (Darwin’s Theory of Evolution)
Inquiry-Based Activities
Activities and allow students to participate in the scientific method with little guidance from the teacher
Feedback Loop
A series of experiments in which the results lwad to more possible hypotheses and subsequently more testing
Stem-and-Leaf Plot / Stemplot
A plot that splits each data values into a “leaf” (usually the last digit) and a “stem” (the other digits). Stemplots are used for smaller sets of quantitative data you can easily identify outliers, data clusters, or gaps on the stemplot.
Meters (m)
the unit for ditance in the metric system
Margin of Error
Deviation or variation of the value from the correct or expected value to allow for error and equipment or calculations
Guiding Questions
Quetions that lead to a deeper understaing by arousing curiosity and interest
Histogram
A visual representation of data which compares frequencies of different numeral intervals
Dot Plot
A graph that uses docs to show the frequency counts of a group of data that plots are used for small sets of quantitative data. You can easily identify the mode, the shape or skew of the graph, and potential outliers on a dot plot.
Qualitative Data
Data which is described rather than measured
Waft
Wave the air toward the face. The safe way to smell a test tube
Grams (g)
The basic metric unit of mass
Non-Experimental Investigation
A research method in which conditions are not carefully controlled; the scientist may study and independent and/or dependent variable, but does not control the other factors in the investigation
Accuracy
A set of different values which are close to true value and measuring with a tour, the tour is accurate to 1/2 of the smallest measuring unit
Meniscus
The downward curve on the surface of a liquid caused by the adhesion of the liquid on the glassware
Proportion
A statement that two ratios are equivalent
Data
Measurements and observations recorded during an experiment
Observation
Information gathered using the five senses
Measurement
A number that shows the size or amount of something
Variables
Factors affecting the outcome of an experimental investigation
Questioning Strategies
Techniques used to ask questions in a way that requires students to use the thinking that the teacher is trying to develop
Outlier
A data point either much larger than or much smaller than the other data points in the set.
Independent Variable
A variable that is manipulated by the scientist conducting the experiement to see if that causes a change
Quantitative Data
Data which is measured and usually expressed numerically
Scientific Law
A proven explanation for a phenomenon
Galileo Galilei
Improved the telescope and used it to prove Copernicus’ helocentric theory.
Quasi-Experimental Research
Type of non-experimental investigation in which the researcher studies the effects of an independent variable, but chooses experimental groups rather than assigning them randomly
Correlational Research
Type of nonexperimental investigation in which the researcher may study to variables, but does not control the rest of the conditions of the study
Pie Chart
A graph in which a circle is divided into sectors that each represent a proportion of the whole. Pie Charts are helpful when displaying the relative distribution of categories.
Gregor Mendel
A biologist credited as the father of modern genetics. He worked with pea plants And observed consistent ratios in specific crisis, leading to his terming of dominant and recessive genes.
Double Bar Graph
A visual Representation of data which compares values in different categories in groups
Scientific method
A Series of deliberate steps by which scientist observe, hypothesize, test, analyze, data, and communicate results
Assimilation
A process in which existing schemas are applied to new objects or situations
Bar graph
A visual representation of data which compares values in different categories
Inference
A conclusion based on evidence, observation, and reasoning
Experimental investigation
Researchers assign subjects in the sample to certain treatments, then observe the effects of the treatment. Can show causation (cause and effect)
Liters (l)
The basic metric unit of volume
Dmitri Mendeleev
A chemist (1834-1907) who published the first periodic table with elements arranged by mass
Peer Review
The process of fact checking by other experts in the same field; ensures the quality of published work
Tolerance (in stats)
The amount of measurement error that is allowed
Scientific Knowledge
Scientific fact discovered using the scientific method
Disequilibrium
Occurs when a child cannot use existing schemas to comprehend new information
Dependent variable
A variable that is measured by the scientist conducting the experiments
English system / imperial system
A system of measurement used in the United States using units such as feet, pounds and ounces
Discrepant events
Events with unexpected outcomes
Heliocentricity
The excepted 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 1630
Scaffolding
A method of teaching that involves gradually removing aids when teaching new concepts
Tare
To set a balance equal to zero to ensure an accurate measurement with no contaminants
Control variable
A variable that is kept stable throughout the experiment, across control an experimental groups, to ensure that any difference in the dependent variable is because of the independent variable
Control group
A group of specimens in an experiment to which no changes made; does not receive the experimental treatment
