Scientific Method• Series of steps followed to solve

problems• Steps

1) Observation/Question2) Hypothesis3) Experiment4) Collect data5) 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