Chapter 1 - Intro To Physical Science Flashcards
(49 cards)
What is science?
Science is a way of learning about the natural world by gathering information.
What is physical science?
Physical science is the study of matter, energy, and the changes they undergo.
What is observing?
Observing means using one or more senses to gather information.
What are two types of observing?
Qualitative and quantitative observations
What is inferring?
Inferring is when you explain your observations.
What is predicting?
Predicting is making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past evidence or experience.
What is chemistry?
Chemistry is the study of the properties of matter and how matter changes.
What is physics?
Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact.
What are three skills that scientists use to learn more about the natural world.
Observing, predicting, and inferring
What is scientific inquiry
Refers to the different ways scientists study the natural world
What is a hypothesis?
A possible answer to a scientific question or explanation for a set of observations
What is a variable?
A factor that can change in an experiment
What is a manipulated/independent variable?
A variable that is purposefully changed
What is a responding/dependent variable?
A variable that is expected to change because of the manipulated variable
What is a controlled experiment?
An investigation in which all variables except one remain the same
What is data?
Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations
What does a conclusion do?
States whether or not the data in an experiment supports the hypothesis
What is communicating?
Sharing ideas and conclusions with others through writing and speaking
What is a scientific law?
Statement that describes what scientists expect to happen under a particular set of conditions
What is a scientific theory?
A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results
What are five scientific habits of mind?
Curiosity, honesty, creativity, open-mindedness, and skepticism
What are six processes that are often involved in scientific theory?
Posing questions, developing hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting and interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and communicating
What is an estimate?
An approximation if a number based on reasonable assumptions
When would you use estimates?
When you can’t obtain exact numbers