Nature of Science Glossary

Term	Diagram or other information	Definition or Description
Bar Graph	Bar Graph	Used to compare information collected by counting.
Circle Graph	Circle Graph	Used to show how some fixed quantity is broken down into parts.
Constant	Can be a physical constants such as the density of water.	In an experiment, a variable that does not change when other variables do change.
Control	A variable or condition that is not allowed to change in the course of an experiment.	Standard used for comparison of test results in an experiment.
Density	Density=Mass÷Volume	Mass per unit voume of a material.
Derived Unit	Derived from SI base units e.g. F=ma = kg x m/s2= Newtons	Unit, such as cubic meter, m3, that is obtained by combining different SI units.
Experiment	Tests the hypothesis	Organized procedure for testing a hypothesis that tests the effect of one thing on another under controlled conditions.
Graph	A graph depicts numerical data. It often is intended to show relationships between variables.	Visual display of information of data that can provide a quick way to communicate a lot of information clearly in a small amount of space.
Hypothesis	Predicts an outcome Requires an experiment	Educated guess using what you know and what you observe.
Length	SI base unit is the meter.	The distance between two points.
Line Graph	Line Graph	Shows a relationship where the dependent variable changes due to a changein the independent variable.
Mass	SI base unit is the kilogram.	Amount of matter in an object.
Model	Takes many forms from a replica to a written description or a computer animation.	Can be used to represent an idea, object, or event that is too big, too small, too complex, or too dangerous to observe or test directly.
Scientific Law	Describes a phenomenon e.g. Boyle's Law	Statement about how things work in nature that seems to be true all the time.
Scientific Method		Organized set of investigation procedures that can include stating a problem, forming a hypotheses, researching, and gathering information, testing a hypothesis, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.
SI- International System of Units	SI base units	The improved, universally accepted version of the metric system that is based on multiples of ten and includes the meter (m), liter (l), and Kilogram (kg).
Standard	Each SI base unit has a standard.	Exact, agreed-upon quantity used for comparison.
Technology		Application of science to help people.
Theory	Explains	Explanation of things or events that is based on knowlegde gained from many observations and experiements.
Variable		Factor that can cause a change in the results of an experiment.
Volume	SI Derived unit is m3, common lab unit is mL.	Amount of space occupied by an object.