Science 8--Nature of Science—Scientific Problem Solving Section 1 Vocabulary

the study of processes that occur on Earth the study of processes that occur on Earth. Astronomy is often included in the Earth sciences

Earth science the study of processes that occur on Earth. Astronomy is often included in the Earth sciences

the study of matter and energy

physical science the study of matter and energy

a rule that describes a repeatable pattern in nature

scientific law a rule that describes a repeatable pattern in nature

a process that uses a variety of skills and tools to answer questions or to test ideas

scientific inquiry a process that uses a variety of skills and tools to answer questions or to test ideas

comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it

critical thinking comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide whether you agree with it

a logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience

inference a logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience

a statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events

prediction a statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events

an explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations

scientific theory an explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations

the study of life and the processes that occur in living organisms, such as plants and animals

life science the study of life and the processes that occur in living organisms, such as plants and animals

the investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results from those investigations

science the investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results from those investigations

the practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use

technology the practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use

a summary of the information gained from testing a hypothesis

conclusion a summary of the information gained from testing a hypothesis

a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigation

hypothesis a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigation

the results of using one or more of your senses to gather information and taking note of what occurs

observation the results of using one or more of your senses to gather information and taking note of what occurs