Science and Engineering Practices Flashcards
(15 cards)
What is a hypothesis?
A testable prediction based on prior knowledge.
What is the independent variable?
The variable that is changed on purpose in an experiment.
What is the dependent variable?
The variable that is measured or observed.
What is a control variable (constant)?
A factor kept the same throughout an experiment.
What makes a scientific question testable?
It can be investigated through measurable observation or experiment.
Why do scientists repeat trials?
The ensure results are reliable and not due to chance.
What is a model in science?
A representation of a system or process used to explain and predict behavior.
What is CER?
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (a format for scientific explanations).
What is a scientific argument?
A logical explanation supported by evidence and reasoning.
What graph best shows change over time.
Line graph.
What graph best compares different categories?
Bar graph.
What is the purpose of peer review in science?
To validate and improve scientific work through feedback from other scientists.
What is the role of computational thinking in science?
Using logic and algorithms to model, simulate, and analyze scientific data.
What is a trade-off in engineering?
A decision where gaining one feature means losing another (e.g., strength vs. weight).
What is the purpose of iteration in the design process?
To refine and improve a solution through repeated testing.
