8th Grade SSA Vocab Nature of Science Review

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The factor measured or observed during an experiment.

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dependent variable (outcome variable)

Front

The factor the scientist is testing.

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independent variable (test variable)

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Factors in an experiment that are unchanged.

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constant

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The group that does not receive the independent (test) variable.

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control group

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A possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations.

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hypothesis

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An explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations.

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scientific theory

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A rule that describes a pattern in nature.

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scientific law

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A logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience.

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inference

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Information that is obtained through observation or experimentation.

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empirical evidence

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The process of a scientist completing multiple trials of their own experiment.

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repetition