Science Fundamentals Unit Vocabulary

1. Science Fundamentals Unit Vocabulary

2. Hypothesis An “if…then” statement that is an explanation for a problem that can be tested by making observations or performing experiments.

3. Control Group • A group that does not receive the independent variable in an experiment.

4. Experimental Group • The group that is exposed to the independent variable in an experiment

5. Independent Variable • A factor that is changed or manipulated in an experiment

6. Dependent Variable • The variable that is measured in an experiment

7. X - Axis • The line on a graph that runs horizontally (from left to right) through zero

8. Y - Axis • The line on a graph that runs vertically (up to down) through zero.

9. Inference • Reaching a conclusion by using logical reasoning

10. Volume • The amount of space occupied by a solid, liquid, or gas.

11. Mass • The amount of matter in an object.

12. Weight • The force exerted on an object due to gravity.

13. Temperature • A measure of the hotness or coldness contained in matter – also a measure of the kinetic energy of matter.

14. Meter • The metric base unit of length

15. Liter • The metric base unit of volume

16. Gram • The metric base unit for mass

17. Celsius • Temperature scale in which water freezes at 0 and boils at 100

18. Constants • Variables in an experiment that are kept the same for all groups and trials

19. Quantitative • Description of a measurement using numbers

20. Qualitative • Description using words

21. Bias • Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, that can alter the results of an experiment