Scientific Method Unit Vocabulary 1. Scientific method – involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence. 2. Problem/Question – this is a question that can be solved through experimentation. 3. Observation/Research – make observations using your 5 senses and research your topic of interest 4. Hypothesis – predict an educated answer to the problem or question 5. Experiment – develop and follow a procedure to test your hypothesis

6. Results – the outcome of the experiment 7. Conclusion – Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. 8. Independent Variable – the factor that’s intentionally varied or changed by the experimenter. 9. Dependent Variable – this is the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable. 10. Control Group – serves as the standard of comparison. It is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable being tested.

11. Constants – the factors that the experimenter attempts to keep the same. 12. Trials – they are the replicate groups that are exposed to the same conditions in an experiment. 13. Analyze – check to see if your results match your conclusion. 14.Inference – a conclusion about our observations. What we think to be true. 15.Theory - An explanatory statement that’s been repeatedly confirmed through experimental testing. With the discovery of new information, theories may change over time. inquiry/scientific-methods.htm