Flashcards: Nature of Science

Question 1

Dependent Variable

Answer 1

a variable that is measured by the scientist conducting the experiment

In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the plant growth would be the dependent variable since it depends on the amount of light.

Question 2

Data

Answer 2

measurements and observations recorded during an experiment

Question 3

Scientific Knowledge

Answer 3

scientific fact discovered using the scientific method

Question 4

Control Group

Answer 4

a group of specimens in an experiment to which no change is made; does not receive the experimental treatment

In an experiment investigating the effect of talk therapy on alleviating depression, the group receiving only the medicine would be the control group.

Question 5

Qualitative Data

Answer 5

data which is described rather than measured

color, shape, smell, opinions

Question 6

Quantitative Data

Answer 6

data which is measured and usually expressed numerically

distance, time, temperature, test scores

Question 7

Controlled Variable

Answer 7

a variable that is kept stable throughout the experiment, across control and experimental groups, to ensure that any difference in the dependent variable is because of the independent variable.

In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the amount of water would be a controlled variable since it is not being studied.

Question 8

Assimilation

Answer 8

A process in which existing schemas are applied to new objects or situations

Question 9

Scaffolding

Answer 9

a method of teaching that involves gradually removing aids when teaching new concepts

When teaching how identify adjectives, a teacher starts with explicit teaching. Then, she leads the class in guided instruction, and repeats or rephrases the necessary information. Next, she prompts the students with questions like “what kind?” and “which one?” Eventually, students identify adjectives independently.

Question 10

Dmitri Mendeleev

Answer 10

A chemist (1834-1907) who published the first periodic table with elements arranged by mass

Question 11

Accommodation

Answer 11

occurs when existing schemas cannot be applied to new objects or situations, and must therefore be adapted and revised

An infant develops the use of fine motor skills and is now able to pick up blocks. The child changes their reflex and begins to bite on blocks rather than sucking their thumb - accommodating the new reality.

Question 12

Guiding Questions

Answer 12

questions that lead to a deeper understanding by arousing curiosity and interest

“What do plants need for optimal growth?” might be the guiding question for the hypothesis “If plants are given twice the water they will grow twice as fast”.

Question 13

Disequilibrium

Answer 13

occurs when a child cannot use existing schemas to comprehend new information

A child moves to a new country. The new classroom rules are difficult to assimilate on top of the previous classroom rules.

Question 14

Charles Darwin

Answer 14

an English naturalist who developed the idea of natural selection and theory of evolution; these ideas were published in the book On the Origin of Species

Question 15

Scientific Law

Answer 15

a proven explanation for a phenomenon

Newton’s Laws of Motion

Question 16

Experimental Investigation

Answer 16

Researchers assign subjects in the sample to certain treatments, then observe the effects of the treatment. Can show causation (cause and effect).

Does using algebra tiles during instruction help freshman students learn how to solve equations?

Question 17

Heliocentricity

Answer 17

The accepted astronomical model that the sun is at the center of our solar system. The theory was put forth by Copernicus in 1543 and expanded upon by Galileo in 1632.

Question 18

Elaborate (5E Model)

Answer 18

Fourth phase of 5E model. students extend their thinking and practice new skills.

Question 19

Observation

Answer 19

information gathered using the five senses

Smell and color

Question 20

Explore (5E Model)

Answer 20

Second phase of 5E model. students work with the material, developing their knowledge, and usually actively manipulating materials or interactive content.

Question 21

Peer Review

Answer 21

the process of fact-checking by other experts in the same field; ensures the quality of published work

Question 22

Classify

Answer 22

arrange in groups according to shared qualities or characteristics

The students observed the size, appearance, composition, permeability, and texture in order to classify the rocks.

Question 23

Scientific Theory

Answer 23

a proposed explanation for a phenomenon which may not be testable

Darwin’s Theory of evolution

Question 24

Galileo Galilei

Answer 24

Improved the telescope and used it to prove Copernicus’ heliocentric theory.

Question 25

Feedback Loop

Answer 25

a series of experiments in which the results lead to more possible hypotheses and subsequently more testing

Question 26

Activate Prior Knowledge

Answer 26

helping students remember what they already know about the topic

Question 27

Measure

Answer 27

using an instrument/device to determine the size, amount, or degree of (something)

The student measured the liquid before pouring it into the test tube.

Question 28

Explain (5E Model)

Answer 28

Third phase of 5E model. students explain what they know and verbalize their understanding. Teachers use this phase to formally define terms and explain processes.

Question 29

Experimental Group

Answer 29

a group of specimens in an experiment to which a change is made; receives the experimental treatment

In an experiment investigating the effect of talk therapy on alleviating depression, the group receiving the medicine and the therapy would be the experimental group.

Question 30

Communicate

Answer 30

share or exchange information

Students must be able to communicate the results of their experiments in a written or oral report.

Question 31

Independent Variable

Answer 31

a variable that is manipulated by the scientist conducting the experiment to see if that causes a change

In an experiment investigating the effect of amount of light on plant growth, the amount of light would be the independent variable since it affects the amount of growth.

Question 32

Scientific Method

Answer 32

a series of deliberate steps by which scientists observe, hypothesize, test, analyze data, and communicate results

Question 33

Hypothesis

Answer 33

an informed prediction (made based on previous observations) for a phenomena. Should be testable.

If we give plants more fertilizer, they will grow taller.

Question 34

Organization

Answer 34

students store new information and relate it to what they already know and understand about the world

Students organize their data and analysis into a class presentation that makes sense of their learning.

Question 35

Variables

Answer 35

factors affecting the outcome of an experimental investigation

the amount of water given to a plant might be the independent variable

Question 36

Gregor Mendel

Answer 36

A biologist credited as the father of modern genetics. He worked with pea plants and observed consistent ratios in specific crosses, leading to his terming of dominant and recessive genes.

Question 37

Engage (5E Model)

Answer 37

First phase of 5E model. students become mentally engaged, make connections to previous learning, and think about their own learning outcomes.

Question 38

Discrepant Events

Answer 38

events with unexpected outcomes

A teacher starts a lesson on gravity by dropping two objects with different masses. Students are surprised when the objects hit the ground at the same time.

Question 39

Conclusion

Answer 39

a summary of the results of an experiment; states whether the initial hypothesis was rejected or supported

Question 40

Inquiry-Based Activities

Answer 40

activities that allow students to participate in the scientific method with little guidance from the teacher

experiments, discussions

Question 41

Predict

Answer 41

say or estimate that an event will occur in the future

Before performing the experiment, students predict that the plant in the direct sunlight will grow the tallest.

Question 42

Inference

Answer 42

a conclusion based on evidence, observation, and reasoning

Question 43

Evaluate (5E Model)

Answer 43

Final (fifth) phase of 5E model. students are assessed on their understanding and teachers evaluate learning to inform their next lesson.

Question 44

Questioning Strategies

Answer 44

techniques used to ask questions in a way that requires students to use the thinking that the teacher is trying to develop

Different questioning strategies can be used to encourage student curiosity and creativity by asking students to observe, infer explanations, predict expected experimental outcomes, and elaborate on their reasoning.