Below are some common scientific terms that you may encounter during this tutorial. When you are finished with this window, click the X at the top right corner to close it.
Conclusion | The solution or answer to a problem. The conclusion is what the scientist has learned about the problem through experimentation. |
Controlled variable | A variable that must remain the same in all situations. Controlled variables are all of the things in an experiment that must remain the same. |
Data | Pieces of information that a scientist will gather and look at. Data consists of information collected through research, experiments, and observations. Conclusions can be made based on data. |
Data table | A T-shaped diagram that displays raw data from an experiment. It includes a manipulated and responding variable. |
Experiment | A test or trial used to gain knowledge or to test a theory. |
Graph | A diagram consisting of lines, bars, or circles to represent information. Science fair experiments usually require line graphs. |
Hypothesis | A reasonable or educated guess. It is what a scientist thinks will happen in an experiment. Hypotheses are based on observations, research, and what is already known about the subject. |
Log book | A notebook in which a scientist writes all of his or her notes about the experiment. All students who complete a science fair project must have a log book. |
Manipulated variable | A variable that is deliberately or intentionally changed by the scientist in an experiment. |
Metric measurement | A system of measurement that scientists use. Length is measured in meters, weight is measured in grams, volume is measured in liters, and temperature is measured in degrees Celsius. |
Observation | The use of the five senses (seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or touching) to collect information. |
Operational definition | The way a scientist measures variables. The operational definition explains specifically how each variable will be measured (hours, degrees, meters, liters, grams, decibels, etc.) |
Ordered pairs | Number data that shows a relationship between the manipulated and responding variables. For example, if you gave a plant 10 ml of water each day, and the plant grew a total of 15 cm, then the ordered pair would be (10, 15). |
Problem | Something that needs to be solved. Problems are usually questions that scientists ask about science topics. |
Procedures | A methodical, logical way of doing something. Procedures include directions or plans, listed step by step. |
Qualitative data | Sensory (sight, touch, smell, hearing, taste) information that is used to draw conclusions. |
Quantitative data | Numerical (number) information that is used to draw conclusions. |
Raw data | The initial quantitative information that a scientist gets while conducting an experiment. All raw data is written in a data table in the scientist's log book. |
Responding variable | A variable that changes as a result of the manipulation of another variable. The responding variable is not changed intentionally, rather, it changes because of what the scientist changed intentionally. |
Scientific Method | A logical way of solving problems. Scientists use this method to gather and test information. There are seven steps to the scientific method:
|
Variable | Something that can change or "vary" in a situation. |
X axis | The horizontal line at the bottom of a graph. The manipulated variable is always written on the x axis of a graph. |
Y axis | The vertical line on the left side of a graph. The responding variable is always written on the y axis of a graph. |