Scientific Method Series of steps followed to solve problems Steps Observation/Question Hypothesis Experiment Collect data Conclusion

Hypothesis An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations Can be tested

Infer Making an interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge

Constant Something that remains unchanged during an experiment

Directly Proportional When one measurement increases, the other measurement increases When one measurement decreases, the other measurement decreases

Inversely Proportional When one measurement increases, the other measurement decreases When one measurement decreases, the other measurement increases

Analyze To examine carefully and in detail to identify causes, key factors, possible results, etc.

Controlled Experiment An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by comparing a control group with an experimental group

Independent Variable One factor that a scientist changes during an experiment

Dependent Variable Factor that changes as a result of the changes to the independent variable in an experiment

Theory An explanation that ties together many hypotheses and observations Examples Theory of Plate Tectonics Big Bang Theory

Law A summary of many experimental results and observations Tells how things work Examples Newton’s Laws of Motion Law of Conservation of Mass