2. Inference
• An assumption based on facts or
observations, eventhough it is NOT stated
Observations
• Information gathered through the 5 senses-seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, feeling
4. Hypothesis or Prediction
• What you think will happen
• What do you think is the correct answer
• a probable solution to the problem based on
knowledge you already have
5. Materials
• Part of the experiment
• a list of supplies or tools that are used
during the experiment
Procedures
• Step-by-step instructions
• What you will do to solve the problem
• How you will test the hypothesis
6. Data
• Information gathered in an experiment
• What you will look for during the
experiment
• Charts, graphs, tables, diagrams
7. Conclusions
• A decision based on facts gathered during
the experiment
• What the results of the experiment tell you
about the problem and about your
hypothesis
8. Communication or Theory
• When scientists (others) repeat an
experiment over and over, and the results
are similar (or validated), then the
hypothesis becomes a theory
• Whenever an experiment is repeated and
the results are validated, scientists (others)
communicate (tell) their results to others
9. Independent Variable
• The part of the experiment (factor) that you,
the experimenter, change and have control
over
Dependent Variable
• The experimental factor that changes
because during or as a result of the
experiment, and you did NOT change
yourself
10. Constants
• Things (factors) that stay the same during
the entire experiment so that the dependent
variable can be observed
11. Control Group
• A group in the experiment that is NOT
changed by the experimenter
• The group in the experiment that is left
alone
• The “natural” group
12. Experimental Group
• The group in the experiment that is changed
by the person conducting the experiment
• The group that you work with
