Science Vocab -Lesson 1

Experiment

An organized process to test the hypothesis.

Procedure

The series of steps to carry out an experiment.

Control

A standard used to check or verify the results of an experiment.

Independent variable

The variable that is changed on purpose in an experiment. (You control this.)

Dependent variable

The variable that responds too changes in an experiment.(You can NOT control this.)

Data

Observations and measurements recorded during an experiment.

Conclusion

The judgement based on the results of an experiment.

Theory

Statements or ideas that explains a group of facts or phenomena.

Science

The investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results from those investigations.

Observation

The act of using one or more of your senses to gather information and take note of what occurs.

Inference

A logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience.

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations.

Prediction

A statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events.

Technology

The practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use.

Scientific Theory

An explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations.

Scientific Law

A rule that describes a pattern in nature .

Critical Thinking

Comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it.