Communicating Scientifically Learning the lingo

Miscommunication In science, it is important to be precise in everything, especially the words you use to communicate to other scientists. Most scientific vocabulary is misused and misunderstood in day to day life. In our class, you will have to learn the correct meaning of these words, learn to use them appropriately, as well as how to identify and give examples of each term.

Hypothesis A prediction or explanation that can be tested by experimentation. Example: Plants that are sung to at night will grow faster. If a tested hypothesis survives all attacks on it and is the best existing explanation for a particular phenomenon, it is then elevated to the status of a theory.

Theory An explanation of natural phenomena supported by large amounts of data. Theories are testable, replicable, and consistent. Represents something fundamental about how nature works. Example: From fossil findings, we can see that this finches have evolved to have a shorter beak.

Not all theories are created equal… A theory is subject to change and even rejection if there is overwhelming evidence that disproves it and/or supports another, better theory. Some theories have a great deal more evidence supporting them than others. The more support there is for a theory, the harder it is to disprove. Examples of strong theories: Plate tectonics, Evolution by natural selection, Quantum Theory Theories that have been changed because of new evidence: Classical mechanics, Special relativity, general relativity…

Law A description of an observed phenomena. A scientific law always applies under the same conditions. Doesn’t explain why the phenomena occurs. Example: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it only changed from one form to another.

Fact A truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true. Example: At sea level, water will boil at 100˚ C.

Evidence Data helpful in forming a conclusion or judgment. Example: The broken window and missing items had indicated that a burglary had taken place.

Observation To take note of a characteristic or occurrence using your senses. Observations are free of judgment or opinion. Example: The tree sways in the wind.

Make 3 observations of the picture below.

Inference Using knowledge and evidence to form a conclusion. Example: Half the cake is gone and my brother was the only at home, he must’ve eaten the cake.

Make 2 inferences about the picture below.

Make 3 observations and 2 inferences about the picture below.

Make 3 observations and 2 inferences about the picture below.

Conclusion A final summary of an experiment, describing the results and answering the initial question. Example: When the plants were sung to for 15 min each morning they grew about 3 cm taller than plants that were not sung to.