Basic Science Skills Vocabulary Review

Tool used to measure mass

Balance

A statement that always appears to be true, but

does NOT offer an explanation as to why

Law

Unit used to measure volume

Liter

A broad statement that explains why something is

thought to be true

Theory

An assumption that may or may not be true

Inference

Part of a hypothesis that is being tested in an

experiment

Independent Variable

Tool used to compare multiple sets of data

Bar Graph

The amount of matter an object possesses

Mass

Possible solution to a problem

Hypothesis

Tool used to show change over time

Line Graph

Unit used to measure mass

Gram

Group in an experiment that is being tested

Experimental Group

Curvature of liquid created in a graduated cylinder

Meniscus

Tool used to show parts of a whole

Circle Graph

Tool used to contain and measure liquids

Beaker

Safety equipment used to flush irritants from the eye

Eye Wash

Tool used to measure length

Ruler

Safety equipment used to smother a fire on your

body

Fire Blanket

Safety equipment that is sprayed to smother a fire

in the classroom

Fire Extinguisher

Unit used to measure length

Meter

Factual information gathered by using one’s

senses

Observation

Tool used to accurately measure the volume of a

liquid

Graduated Cylinder

Descriptive data

Qualitative

Used to test a hypothesis

Experiment

Safety equipment used to rinse harmful chemicals off

of your body

Safety Shower

Safety equipment used to protect the eyes.

Goggles

Tool used for reactions and to hold small amounts of

liquid

Test Tube

Numerical data

Quantitative

Part of a hypothesis that is being recorded during an

experiment

Dependent Variable

Tool used to measure volume and mixing

solutions

Flask

The vertical axis on a graph

Y-axis

Parts of an experiment that remain unchanged or

constant

Controls

The horizontal axis on a graph

X-axis

Information collected during an experiment

Data

Group in an experiment used for comparison that

does not get testedControl Group

A step by step process used to solve a problem

Scientific Method

The amount of space an object takes up

Volume