Vocabulary Scientific inquiry

• Accuracy   How well the results of an experiment agree with the accepted value.  

• Example:Hitting a target on the bullseye.

• Analysis   This is a process of interpreting experimental results. 

•  Example:categorizing, organizing, and finding patterns in data; noting an increase in bacteria population in a graph

• Analytical Balance   Equipment which digitally measures the mass of an object.  

•  Example:You may use this to measure 10 grams of sugar for a lab experiment.

• Bar Graph   This is a graphical means of quantitative comparison by rectangles with lengths proportional to the measure of the data or things compared.

• Beaker   This is a container used for mixing or heating of chemical solution.  

• Bunsen Burner   Equipment used for heating chemical reactions.  Example:Burning strontium chloride for a flame test.

• Control Variable   This is the condition which remains unchanged in an experiment.  Example:In a lab experiment to see how the amount oflight affects the growth of plants, this would be the amount of water given toeach plant.

• Dependent Variable   This is the observed variable in an experiment or study whose changes are determined by the presence or degree of one or more independent variables. When graphed, this variable is usually on the vertical axis.

• Dimensional Analysis   A technique of problem-solving that uses the units that are part of a measurement to help solve the problem.

• Eye Wash   This is what you would use if a chemical accidentally got past your safety goggles and into your eye.

• Flask   This is a container used for storage of chemical solutions.  Example:Erlenmeyer, Volumetric, Round Bottom

• Graduated Cylinder   This is a container used for measurement of the volume of a liquid.  Example:Used for liquid displacement measurements

• Hypothesis   This is a prediction of the outcome of scientific processes based on analysis.  Example:In a lab experiment to see how the amount oflight affects the growth of plants, this would be the prediction that increasingthe amount of light increases plant growth.

• Independent Variable   This is the manipulated variable in an experiment or study whose presence or degree determines the change in the dependent variable. When graphed this is graphed usually on the horizontal axis.

• Inquiry   This is the act of trying to find the answer to an unknown question by the use of experimentation and research.

• Kilogram   This is the standard SI (metric) unit of mass.  Example:Used to measure the mass of a person

• Liter   This is a unit of volume in the metric system.  Example:A measurement of carbonated beverages mightcontain 2 of these.

• Meter   

• This is the standard SI (metric) unit of length.  Example:Used to measure the length of your classroom

• Model   

• A small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object.  Example:A hot wheels car