Explain:
Purpose of science.
To gain knowledge about the natural world.
Scientists aim to answer questions, explain phenomena or validate hypotheses.
Define:
empirical data
Information that is gathered through observation or experimentation.
Verifiable and measurable data.
Identify:
Whar are scientific tools found in most science labs?
Identify:
The system of measurement scientists use.
International System of Units (SI), also known as the metric system.
Identify:
The property a graduated cylinder measures.
Volume of liquids in precise units.
Identify:
Scientific tool used for measuring temperature.
thermometer
Define:
meniscus
The curved shape a liquid makes inside a graduated cylinder.
Describe:
The main function of a microscope.
To magnify tiny, two-dimensional objects.
Identify:
The tool astronomers use to observe space.
telescope
Identify:
Properties measured by common scientific tools.
Explain:
Why is it important to have a standard set of units in laboratory measurements?
To allow scientists to communicate effectively and efficiently.
Standardized units prevent confusion and inaccuracies in measurements.
Identify:
The standard unit of length in the metric system.
meter
(m)
A meter is approximately equal to 3.28 feet.
Identify:
The standard unit for volume in the metric system.
liter
(L)
One liter is approximately 33.81 ounces.
Identify:
The standard unit for mass in the metric system.
kilogram
(kg)
Mass is not the same as weight; mass is the amount of matter in an object.
Identify:
The unit used to measure temperature in a biology lab.
Celsius
(°C)
Named after Swedish scientist Anders Celsius.
Explain:
What is the conversion formula from Fahrenheit to Celsius?
°C = (°F - 32) x 5/9
This formula helps to accurately convert temperature between the two scales.
Explain:
The potential error when converting between units of measurement.
Loss of accuracy due to rounding.
Each conversion can introduce small errors that accumulate over time.
Explain:
The relationship between area and length in the metric system.
Area is measured in square meters (m²).
Area is calculated by squaring the length measurement.
Identify:
The steps of the scientific method.
These steps can be used in various orders and may be reused during the investigation.
Define:
hypothesis
Proposed explanation for scientific observations that aim to describe and/or explain natural phenomena.
A testable and falsifiable prediction about the outcome of an investigation. A hypothesis is typically stated in an if-then format.
Identify:
Two characteristics a hypothesis must have.
A hypothesis must be able to be proven wrong through experimentation.
Describe:
The independent variable in an experiment.
The variable that is changed or controlled by the experimenter in a scientific study to create groups.
Describe:
The dependent variable in an experiment.
The outcome variable that is measured and affected in the experiment.
Define:
A control in an experiment.
The condition that is compared to the experimental group.