Science Chapter 1 Flashcards

Key Terms in Science

• Bias: Personal opinions that must be eliminated from scientific experiments to ensure objectivity.

• Constant: A factor in an experiment that is kept unchanged to ensure accurate comparisons.

• Control: A standard reference in experiments for analyzing results, essential for drawing conclusions.

• Dependent Variable: The measurable outcome in experiments, often expressed quantitatively for later analysis.

• Earth Science: A field encompassing the study of Earth's materials, processes, and phenomena, including geology, meteorology, and oceanography.

• Ethics: Principles of morality relating to good and bad, forming the basis for personal beliefs, not testable by scientific methods.

• Hypothesis: An educated prediction or potential explanation for a problem that can be tested through scientific methods.

• Independent Variable: The factor altered in an experiment; its variation affects the dependent variable while other factors remain constant.

• Science: A systematic process involving observation, study, and analysis to expand knowledge about the universe.

• Scientific Law: A statement that describes natural phenomena's behavior; indicates what occurs without explaining the reasoning behind it.

• Scientific Method: A structured approach to problem-solving that encompasses defining a problem, researching, hypothesizing, experimenting, data collection, concluding, and retesting.

• Scientific Theory: A comprehensive explanation of phenomena supported by extensive testing and evidence from multiple experiments.

• Technology: Practical application of scientific discoveries through tools and systems designed to enhance daily living.

• Variable: Elements within an experiment that can change; only the independent variable is intentionally manipulated while others are controlled.