Nature Of Sci & Tech: Ch 1

Front 1

Observing

Back 1

Using one or more of your senses to gather information

Front 2

Quantitative observations

Back 2

gathering information using numbers or amounts

Front 3

Qualitative observations

Back 3

gathering information dealing with information that cannot be expressed in numbers.

Front 4

inferring

Back 4

to explain or interpret things that are observed

Front 5

predicting

Back 5

making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence

Front 6

classifying

Back 6

The process of grouping together items that are alike in some way

Front 7

making models

Back 7

The process of creating representations of complex objects or processes

Front 8

science

Back 8

A way of learning about the natural world through observations and logical reasoning; leads to a body of knowledge

Front 9

skepticism

Back 9

An attitude of doubt.

Front 10

scientific inquiry

Back 10

The ongoing process of discovery in science; the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on evidence they gather

Front 11

hypothesis

Back 11

A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question; must be testable

Front 12

variable

Back 12

A factor that can change in an experiment.

Front 13

manipulated variable

Back 13

The one factor that a scientist changes during an experiment; also called independent variable

Front 14

responding variable

Back 14

The factor that changes as a result of changes to the manipulated, or independent, variable in an experiment; also called dependent variable

Front 15

controlled experiment

Back 15

An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time

Front 16

operational definition

Back 16

A statement that describes how to measure a particular variable or how to define a particular term

Front 17

data

Back 17

Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations

Front 18

communicating

Back 18

The process of sharing ideas with others through writing and speaking

Front 19

scientific theory

Back 19

A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results.

Front 20

scientific law

Back 20

A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions.

Front 21

scientific literacy

Back 21

The knowledge and understanding of scientific terms and principles required for evaluating information, making personal decisions, and taking part in public affairs.