Scientific Instruction Flashcards
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
a standardized information sheet for a substance; includes information about health risks, safe disposal and cleanup of spills, and environmental risks
Waft
Wave the air toward the face. The safe way to smell a test tube.
Outlier
a data point either much larger than or much smaller than the other data points in the set.
Error (in measurement)
Error is a numerical value that tells us how far “off” a measurement is compared to the correct or accepted value.
Rounding
A number is simplified to its closest multiple of 10, 100, 1,000, etc.
Tare
to set a balance equal to zero to ensure an accurate measurement with no contaminants
Approximation
A value chosen to represent the size or magnitude of a value; the approximation is similar to, but not equal to, the actual value.
Accuracy
a set of different values which are close to a true value. When measuring with a tool, the tool is accurate to 1/2 of the smallest measuring unit
Proportion
A statement that two ratios are equivalent.
Histogram
a visual representation of data which compares frequencies of different numeral intervals
Line Graph
a visual representation of data which shows change over time or in response to a manipulated variable
Bar Graph
a visual representation of data which compares values in different categories
Measurement
a number that shows the size or amount of something
Quantitative Data
data which is measured and usually expressed numerically
The Metric System
a standard system of measurement based on powers of 10.
Dimensional Analysis / Unit Analysis
the process of converting within or between systems by multiplying by factors of 1 in various forms
Liters (l)
the base metric unit of volume
Meters (m)
the unit for distance in the metric system
Double Bar Graph
a visual representation of data which compares values in different categories and groups
Stem-and-Leaf Plot / Stemplot
a plot that splits each data value 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 a stemplot.
Precision
a set of different values which are close to one another
English system / Imperial system
a system of measurement used in the United States using units such as feet, pounds and ounces
Unit
A standard measure for reporting the magnitude (size) of a variable such as length, mass, or time.
Tolerance (in stats)
the amount of measurement error that is allowed
Dot Plot
a graph that uses dots to show the frequency counts of a group of data. Dot 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.
Meniscus
the downward curve on the surface of a liquid caused by the adhesion of the liquid on the glassware
Grams (g)
the base metric unit of mass
Categorical Data
data recorded as categories/groups
Margin of Error
deviation or variation of a value from the correct or expected value to allow for error in equipment or calculations
Invariance
Consistency of the size or magnitude of a value regardless of a change in units.
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.
Estimate (verb)
To approximate a value by comparing to a known value.
Measurable Attribute
Characteristic of an object that can be assigned a size or magnitude.
Critical Thinking
Analysis and judgement
Blog / Discussion Board
platform for posts about various subjects and comments on the posts
Bloom’s Taxonomy
a hierarchy of levels of knowledge; each level has associated verbs teachers can use to start questions
Brain-Based Learning
a type of learning which makes connections across sides of the brain; incorporates activity in learning
Presentation Software
used to display information with audio and visual components
Observation
information gathered using the five senses
Spreadsheet
A tabular view of data with columns and rows; the intersection of a column and row is called a cell.
Energy
the ability to create heat (thermal energy transfer) or do work (apply a force that moves something through a distance)
Search Engine
tool used to locate information on the internet
Collaboration Software
applications designed for multiple users to share and work on files and documents together
Word Processing Software
used to create documents; used for planning, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing written work
Discrepant Events
events with unexpected outcomes
Force
an interaction (push or pull) of one object with another that resists other forces or causes acceleration
Website
collection of web pages housed under a common domain name that are viewed on an internet browser
Physical Properties
properties that can be observed without a changing the substance
Differentiated Instruction
teaching that offers multiple options for learning the material based on different student needs and learning styles
Exploration
interacting with materials and content, by observing and manipulating it, in order to learn something new
English Language Learners (ELLs)
Students who are learning the English language, or for whom English is not a first language
Evidence-Based Science Instruction
using educational research to design lessons
Inquiry-Based Activities
activities that allow students to participate in the scientific method with little guidance from the teacher
Individual / Organism
one individual organism of a given species
Concept / Vocabulary Map
a form of scaffolding in which a new concept or vocabulary word is written in the center and pictures or descriptive words are written surrounding it
Matter
anything that has mass and takes up space
App
a software application that is designed to perform a specific function for the user and can be utilized for teaching purposes
Validity
The ability of a test or question to measure what it purports to measure
Appropriate Level
leveled to where the content was taught when considering depth and difficulty
K-W-L Chart
A graphic organizer used throughout a unit that shows what students know (K), want to know (W), and learned (L)
Rubric
A scoring guide based on several criteria rather than a single numerical score
Performance-Based Assessment
A kind of assessment that requires students to show mastery of specific skills by demonstrating, producing, or performing something
Informal Assessments
More flexible than formal assessments and can be adjusted to fit the situation and particular needs of the student being tested
Clarity of Language
does not contain ambiguous pronouns, words at too high a vocabulary level, or slang terms
Absence of Bias
Material based on common situations that all students will have encountered and that will not trigger an emotional response.
Formative Assessments
Assessment for learning. Usually mid-instruction assessment with the purpose of assessing student progress and informing the teacher so instruction can be altered as needed.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
The state foundation curriculum developed by the State Board of Education, that requires all students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to read, write, compute, problem solve, think critically, apply technology, and communicate across all subject areas
Explicit Teaching
the process of teaching by communicating clear expectations and giving specific feedback to students
Congruent Assessment
an assessment that tests the learning outcomes described in the learning objectives
Formal Assessments
a usually post-instruction assessment with the purpose of assessing student knowledge, retention, and application. Often involve the use of a standardized rubric or scoring guide based on several criteria.
Reliability
Reliable exams produce the same scores when given in the same conditions (same individuals on different occasions or with different sets of equivalent items)
Summative Assessments
Assessment of learning. Given at specific points in time in order to determine what students know and don’t know. Summative assessments are generally formal.
