25/26 Unit 1: Nature of Science

Digital Balance

• Used to determine an object’s mass.

• Used to measure the volume of liquids.

• Used to calculate the density of solids.

• Used to assess the temperature of objects.

Goggles

• Protect your eyes.

• Enhance your vision.

• Provide UV protection for skin.

• Increase peripheral vision.

Meter stick

• Measures length of objects.

• Measures weight of objects.

• Measures temperature of objects.

• Measures volume of objects.

Experiment

• A scientific procedure to test a hypothesis.

• A random guess about a phenomenon.

• A method to collect data without any testing.

• A theory that explains a scientific law.

Constant

• Factors that change in an experiment

• Factors that must remain the same in both groups

• Factors that are only relevant to the control group

• Factors that are only relevant to the experimental group

Control group

• Used for comparison. This group does not get any manipulations by the experimenter.

• This group receives the full treatment and is observed for changes.

• This group is used to test the effectiveness of a new drug.

• This group is monitored but does not participate in the experiment.

Dependent Variable (responding variable)

• The factor that remains constant during an experiment.

• The factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable (the outcome).

• The variable that is manipulated by the researcher.

• The variable that is measured at the beginning of the experiment.

Beaker

• A vessel with a spout for pouring; useful for measuring precise volumes.

• A container used for mixing and heating substances; usually has a narrow neck.

• A vessel with a lip for pouring; useful for holding liquid or solid samples. Increments are larger than a graduated cylinder – usually 25-50 mL per increment.

• A small cup used for drinking; typically made of glass or plastic.

Test tube

• Used to hold small amounts of pre-measured substances.

• A container for large volumes of liquids.

• A tool for measuring temperature.

• An instrument for mixing chemicals.

Claim

• A statement or conclusion that answers a question or proposes a solution to a problem.

• A type of evidence used to support an argument.

• A personal opinion that is not based on facts.

• A question that requires a detailed response.