Scientific Methods and Matter Flashcards

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Scientific Method Steps

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The four areas of skills in the scientific method are Initiating and Planning, Performing and Recording, Analzying and Interpreting, and Communicating.

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Initiating and Planning

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The first area of the scientific method; it involves deciding how to begin the investigation, plan tasks, and set up procedures to minimize bias and prepare for data collection.

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Performing and Recording

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The second area; it involves carrying out the plan, collecting data, and keeping accurate records of what is observed or measured.

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Analyzing and Interpreting

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The third area; it involves examining data, looking for patterns, and making sense of results in the context of the question.

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Communicating

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The fourth area; it involves sharing procedures, data, and conclusions with others, often through reports or presentations.

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Independent Variable

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The variable deliberately changed in an experiment; it is what the researcher controls to test its effect on the dependent variable.

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Dependent Variable

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The variable that is measured in response to changes in the independent variable; it depends on the IV.

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Control Variable

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Variables kept constant throughout the experiment so they do not influence the results.

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Hypothesis

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A testable educated guess about what will happen in an investigation, typically written in the form of an If (IV) changes, then (DV) changes statement.

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If-Then Format

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A standard hypothesis format: If the independent variable changes, then the predicted changes in the dependent variable will occur.

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Qualitative Observations

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Observations based on qualities described using senses (color, shape, texture) rather than numbers.

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Quantitative Observations

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Observations expressed with numbers, measurements, or counts (e.g., height, mass, temperature).

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Observation vs Inference

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Observations are what you directly perceive or record; inferences are explanations or conclusions drawn from those observations based on reasoning and experience.

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Chart or Graph

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A good way to organize numerical data so others can understand patterns and relationships in the results.

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Lab Report Format

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COMMON SECTIONS: PROBLEM/PURPOSE, HYPOTHESIS, MATERIALS, PROCEDURE, OBSERVATIONS, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION.

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Element

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An element is a pure substance consisting of a single type of atom; examples include $H$, $O$, and $Au$.

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Compound

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A pure substance composed of two or more elements in a fixed ratio; examples include $H_2O$, $NaCl$.

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Pure Substance

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A substance that contains only one type of particle (either a single element or a single compound).

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Mixture

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Matter that contains two or more types of particles not chemically bonded; can be separated by physical means.

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Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous

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Homogeneous mixtures have one visible phase, while heterogeneous mixtures have two or more distinct phases; the parts are not uniformly distributed.