Science

9/15/25

• • Phenomenon - an observable fact, especially one that causes questioning

  • Model - An explanation on how a system works. Models can test predictions to determine accuracy.

  • Controlled experiment– An experiment that tests only one variable at a time; a control group is compared with an experimental group

  • Independent variable (IV) - The condition that is changed in an experiment.

  • Dependent variable (DV) - A measurable result caused by the IV in an experiment

  • Control group- in the experiment, the group that shows the normal condition, as if no changes were made.

  • Experimental group- in an experiment, the group that experiences a different condition.

  • Hypothesis -  A proposed explanation to a scientific problem - may be a testable prediction

9/22/25

• System: a set of interacting parts forming a complex whole.

• Geologic process: an event or series of events that causes changes in the geosphere. 

• Claim: A proposed answer to a question about the natural world

• Evidence: Information about the natural world that is used to support or go against (refute) a claim

• Reasoning: The process of making clear how your evidence supports your claim

• Argument: A process that guides scientific work by using evidence to justify a claim (claim-evidence-reasoning)

Comparing Observations and Inferences