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Vocabulary Chapter 1
Scientific method and variables
24
Science
9th Grade
08/12/2013

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Term
Scientific Method
Definition
A method of doing research that includes the steps of identifying a problem, gathering data, forming a hypothesis, testing a hypothesis, and drawing a conclusion.
Term
Hypothesis
Definition
An explantion that can be tested.  It is an educated guess.
Term
Variable
Definition
Any factor in an experiment that can change
Term
Theory
Definition
An explanation of things or events based on scientific knowledge that is the result of many observations and experiments.  The big bang theory and the theory of relativity are examples.
Term
Law
Definition
A statement about how thigs work in nature that seems true all the time.  An example is the Universal Law of Gravity or Newton's laws of motion.
Term
Independent Variable
Definition
The factor in an experiment that is changed on purpose by the person conducting the experiment.  It is also called the manipulated variable because it is the factor you wish to test.  It is expressed in the hypothesis after the word if.  This variable is plotted along the x-axis.
Term
Dependent Variable
Definition
The factor that is not known prior to the experiment, but is measured and collected as data.  This variable is expressed after the word then in a hypothesis.  This variable is plotted along the y-axis.
Term
Constant
Definition
Factors that do not change between the test group and the control group.  Keeping all factors the same except one is essential for comparing test groups to the control.
Term
Control Group
Definition
The standard to which the results of a test is compared. It has all factors the same as the experimental group except it does not have the factor being tested (the independent variable).
Term
Observation
Definition
The act of looking at something in detail using the senses and /or measuring tools to collect information.
Term
Experiment
Definition
A test or trial performed in order to determine if two factors are related and if the hypothesis is supported or not supported.
Term
Procedure
Definition
A sequence of steps involved in performing an experiment.
Term
Conclusion
Definition
A logical answer to a question based on data and observation.  Conclusions explain whether the hypothesis should be accepted or rejected.
Term
Experimental Group
Definition
The test group which receives the independent variable. It has all the factors of the control group, but also the one factor being tested (the independent variable).
Term
Horizontal
Definition

The X-axis on a graph.  The direction is sideways

(<---------------------->)

The Independent variable belongs on the horizontal

x-axis.

 

Term
Vertical
Definition

The Y- axis on a graph.

 ^

 l

 V

It is in the up and down direction.

 The Dependent variable belongs on the Y- axis

Term
Standard
Definition

An exact quantity that people agree to use to compare measurements.

Term
SI
Definition

Stands for Systeme Internationale d'Unites.

These are standards universally accepted and understood by scientists around the world.  Each type of measurement has a base unit which is a multiple of 10.

Term
Length
Definition
The distance between two points.  SI base unit is the meter, m.
Term
Volume
Definition
The amount of space occupied by an object.
Term
Mass
Definition
The measurement of the quantity of matter in an object.  This measurement does not vary as gravity changes.  The SI base unit is the kilogram, kg.
Term
Denisity
Definition
The mass per unit volume of a material.  It is an object's mass divided by the object's volume.
Term
Kelvin
Definition
The SI unit of temperature.  Celsius plus 273 gives a reading in Kelvin.
Term
Absolute Zero
Definition

Zero Kelvin or -273 0Celsius.

It is the coldest possible temperature.

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