Basic Science Terms

Scientific Theory A synthesis of a large body of information that encompasses well-tested and verified hypotheses about aspects of the natural world.  An explanation  Tested, but never disproven.  Evolves over time, refinement  Sometimes replaced if new evidence is discovered Atomic theory explains the atom Example:

Scientific Law or Principle A general hypothesis or statement about the relationship of natural quantities that has been tested repeatedly and has not been contradicted.  Summarizes  Is part of a theory  Sometimes is represented by an equation F = ma is Newton’s 2 nd Law of Motion Example:

Scientific Hypothesis An educated guess that can be tested.  A reasonable explanation  Has not been proven  Requires testing If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force. Example:

Science The pursuit of knowledge about the natural world. The study and investigation of nature’s rules. Physicist (studies electromagnetic radiation)

Technology The application of science to meet human needs. Put the findings of science to use. Engineer (building bridges)

How to Measure? Know how to operate the measuring instrument  Which unit(s) is represented?  What does each tick mark represent?  Are there multiple scales?  Did you zero out the instrument (if possible) Be skilled and patient enough to measure with the greatest detail possible

Identifying Variables in a Scientific Hypothesis If the mass on a cart is increased, then the cart’s rate of acceleration will decrease given the same force. The three variables are underlined. Independent variable Control variable Dependent variable The if statement shows independent variable, the then statement shows the dependent variable.

Variables Explain how the dependent and independent variables are different.

Scientific Method Each table is responsible for writing the steps of the scientific method. List steps on paper provided