NOS Vocab

the investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results

from those investigations

• science

• investigation

• hypothesis

• scientific law

using one or more of your senses to gather information and taking note of what occurs

• science

• observation

• hypothesis

• prediction

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

• hypothesis

• prediction

• scientific theory

• scientific law

statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events

• observation

• hypothesis

• prediction

• inference

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

• hypothesis

• prediction

• inference

• scientific theory

explanation of observations or events that is

based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations

• hypothesis

• inference

• scientific theory

• scientific law

comparing what you already know with the information you are given in order to decide

whether you agree with it

• observation

• inference

• science

• critical thinking

practical use of scientific knowledge, especially for industrial or commercial use

• science

• technology

• scientific theory

• scientific law

rule that describes a repeatable pattern in nature

• explanation

• scientific theory

• scientific law

• critical thinking

spoken or written summary of observations

• observation

• description

• explanation

• science