Scientific Processes Glossary

Analogy is a comparison of function, structure, or properties between two things usually to clarify or explain.

Change see unified science processes

Classify Group or order collections of objects or events according to observable common properties or differences, and variations. These properties could include color, shape, size, pattern, living-nonliving, sequence, behavior, rate, position, motion, scale, weight, mass, volume, density, taxonomy.

Communication Convey information through oral and written words, nonverbal signals, and visual representationsdiagrams, numbers, equations, graphs, drawings, diagrams, tables, exhibits, maps, models.

Compare
the process used to identify similarities and differences between or among things or ideas.

Conclusion a judgement or decision reached by reasoning.

Constancy see unified science processes

Control variables Identify variables in a system and hold all variables constant except those to be manipulated in the experiment.

Define operationally Make a definition to describe an interaction or observation.

Equilibrium see unified science processes

Explanation see unified science processes

Experiment The ability to use some or all of the process skills to solve problems.

Evidence is data collected from observation used to explain an object or event.

Evolution see unified science processes

Form see unified science processes

Function see unified science processes

Hypothesize Make a generalized prediction which can be tested consistently through observable evidence that may indicate one possible explanation of an interaction or event . (rubric)

Inference is a conclusion based on observational evidence and reasoning.

Inquiry Asking and answering questions. Diverse ways in which people/ scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their observation. Also refers to the activities of in which people/ students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of scientists study of the natural world. Excellent source on inquiry in K-5 classrooms

Interpret data Find a pattern in collected data that may lead to inferences, predictions, conclusions, hypotheses, or models and check for reasonableness of solutions.

Knowledge includes facts, concepts, principles, theories, and laws.

Measure is the process of making observations quantitative.

Measurement see unified science processes

Metaphor a figure of speech used to represent or symbolically compare things or ideas that are not literally related.

Model see unified science processes

Motion refers to any change in position in relation to some reference point Rotation and linear motion are examples.

Nature of science is a method for satisfying human’s curiosity for answering questions.

Object and living or nonliving piece or pieces of matter.

Observe Use of the senses to identify properties of objects, environments, and events. (rubric)

Sight - Size, shapes, colors, position, how objects interact;
Hear - loudness, pitch, rhythm;
Touch - flexibility, texture, hot-cold, shapes, size, mass, weight, wet-dry, density
Taste - bitter, salty, sour, sweet;
Smell associate objects with odors;

Similarities, differences, and changes in properties and motion of objects.

Order - events, size, mass, weight, density,

Use of scientific instruments to increase observation such as magnifying glass, ruler, thermometer, microscope, balance scale, binoculars, telescope, clock ...

Order see unified science processes

Organization see unified science processes

Predict Make a specific forecast of future properties or interactions based on past experiences, observations, or organizational schemes ( chaos, systems, cycles, models).

Property Characteristics of objects. May be directly or indirectly observable. Properties could includecolor, shape, size, pattern, living-nonliving, sequence, behavior, rate, position, motion, scale, weight, mass, volume, density.

Process Skills Actions used to observe, communicate, organize, compare, discover relationships, infer, and apply.

Scientific Literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decisions making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity.

Shapes includetwo and three-dimensional geometric, symmetrical. Relative position is locating all objects in space relative to a reference point.

Spatial relationships Identify shapes, relative position and motion.

System see unified science processes

Technology tools used to make modifications to the world to meet human needs.

Theory a comprehensive thoughtful and enduring explanation of some aspect of the physical and natural world that can be supported by evidence.

Variables a property or condition that can change.

Dr. Robert Sweetland's Notes ©

Analogy	is a comparison of function, structure, or properties between two things usually to clarify or explain.
Change	see unified science processes
Classify	Group or order collections of objects or events according to observable common properties or differences, and variations. These properties could include color, shape, size, pattern, living-nonliving, sequence, behavior, rate, position, motion, scale, weight, mass, volume, density, taxonomy.
Communication	Convey information through oral and written words, nonverbal signals, and visual representationsdiagrams, numbers, equations, graphs, drawings, diagrams, tables, exhibits, maps, models.
Compare	the process used to identify similarities and differences between or among things or ideas.
Conclusion	a judgement or decision reached by reasoning.
Constancy	see unified science processes
Control variables	Identify variables in a system and hold all variables constant except those to be manipulated in the experiment.
Define operationally	Make a definition to describe an interaction or observation.
Equilibrium	see unified science processes
Explanation	see unified science processes
Experiment	The ability to use some or all of the process skills to solve problems.
Evidence	is data collected from observation used to explain an object or event.
Evolution	see unified science processes
Form	see unified science processes
Function	see unified science processes
Hypothesize	Make a generalized prediction which can be tested consistently through observable evidence that may indicate one possible explanation of an interaction or event . (rubric)
Inference	is a conclusion based on observational evidence and reasoning.
Inquiry	Asking and answering questions. Diverse ways in which people/ scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence derived from their observation. Also refers to the activities of in which people/ students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of scientists study of the natural world. Excellent source on inquiry in K-5 classrooms
Interpret data	Find a pattern in collected data that may lead to inferences, predictions, conclusions, hypotheses, or models and check for reasonableness of solutions.
Knowledge	includes facts, concepts, principles, theories, and laws.
Measure	is the process of making observations quantitative.
Measurement	see unified science processes
Metaphor	a figure of speech used to represent or symbolically compare things or ideas that are not literally related.
Model	see unified science processes
Motion	refers to any change in position in relation to some reference point Rotation and linear motion are examples.
Nature of science	is a method for satisfying human’s curiosity for answering questions.
Object	and living or nonliving piece or pieces of matter.
Observe	Use of the senses to identify properties of objects, environments, and events. (rubric) Sight - Size, shapes, colors, position, how objects interact; Hear - loudness, pitch, rhythm; Touch - flexibility, texture, hot-cold, shapes, size, mass, weight, wet-dry, density Taste - bitter, salty, sour, sweet; Smell associate objects with odors; Similarities, differences, and changes in properties and motion of objects. Order - events, size, mass, weight, density, Use of scientific instruments to increase observation such as magnifying glass, ruler, thermometer, microscope, balance scale, binoculars, telescope, clock ...
Order	see unified science processes
Organization	see unified science processes
Predict	Make a specific forecast of future properties or interactions based on past experiences, observations, or organizational schemes ( chaos, systems, cycles, models).
Property	Characteristics of objects. May be directly or indirectly observable. Properties could includecolor, shape, size, pattern, living-nonliving, sequence, behavior, rate, position, motion, scale, weight, mass, volume, density.
Process Skills	Actions used to observe, communicate, organize, compare, discover relationships, infer, and apply.
Scientific Literacy	is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes required for personal decisions making, participation in civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity.
Shapes	includetwo and three-dimensional geometric, symmetrical. Relative position is locating all objects in space relative to a reference point.
Spatial relationships	Identify shapes, relative position and motion.
System	see unified science processes
Technology	tools used to make modifications to the world to meet human needs.
Theory	a comprehensive thoughtful and enduring explanation of some aspect of the physical and natural world that can be supported by evidence.
Variables	a property or condition that can change.