THE NATURE OF SCIENCE VOCABULARY

A systematic way of learning more about the natural world. SCIENCE A systematic way of learning more about the natural world. Science can be used to answer many questions about the natural world.

Scientific theory An attempt to explain a pattern observed repeatedly in the natural world. Theories must be supported by observations and results from many investigations.

SCIENTIFIC LAW A rule that describes a pattern in nature. The law does not explain why something happens. The law simply describes a pattern.

SYSTEM A collection of structures, cycles and processes that relate to and interact with each other. Example: How the human body works. How the planets move around the sun.

Life Science The study of living systems and the ways in which interact.

Earth Science The study of the Earth systems and the systems in the space. It includes the study of nonliving things such as rocks, soil, clouds, rivers, oceans, planets, stars , meteors and black holes. Also, weather and climate.

Physical Science The study of matter and energy. Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. The ability to cause change in matter is energy.

Technology Practical use of science . Engineers apply science to design technology. The study of the energy of sunlight is science. Using this knowledge to design the solar panels that power cars is technology.

HYPOTHESIS Reasonable and educated possible answer based on what you know and what you observe.

INFER Draw a conclusion based on what you observe.

CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT Involves changing one factor and observing its effect on another, while keeping all other factors constant. Control is a factor that in the experiment is maintained the same . No changes are applicable.

VARIABLES Factors that can be change in the experiment. Change one variable and observe the effect of this change on other variable.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE A factor that is changed purposely by the experimenter. Example : time, temperature.

DEPENDENT VARIABLE A factor that may change as a result of changes purposely made to the independent variable. Example: growth( length), distance, mass.

CONSTANTS The variables that do not change in the experiment are constants.

MODELS A model is one way to test the hypothesis. A model is any representation of an object or an event used as a tool for understanding the natural world. Model can help you visualize or picture in your mind , something that is difficult to see or understand.