Understanding Scientific Terms: Observation, Inference, Hypothesis, Law, Theory, Principle, and Fact

Table of Contents JE# Title Pg.# 1 Scientific Terms 1 (Skip 3 pages)

JE#1 Date Scientific Terms (10pts.)

Distinguish between the following scientific terms:observation, inference, hypothesis, law, theory, principle and fact. BIO.B.3.3.1

Observation • The process of noticing and describing events or processes in a careful, orderly way. Qualitative Observation The weather is hot today. Quantitative Observation The temperature in 30⁰C.

Hypothesis • A proposed, scientifically testable explanation for a set of observations or possible answer to a scientific question. • If I ________________ _____________________, then__________________ _____________________.

Inference • A logical interpretation or idea based on prior knowledge or experience.

• A truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true. Fact • Size and Weight: The adult raccoon is a medium-sized mammal and the largest of the Procyonidae family. It averages 24 to 38 inches in length and can weigh between 14 to 23 lbs., or more, depending upon habitat and available food. The male raccoon, or boar, is slightly larger than the female, also referred to as sow. The young are called kits.

Law • A law generalizes a body of observations. At the time it is made, no exceptions have been found to a law. It explains things but does not describe them. • Laws serve as the basis for scientific principles.

Theory • A well-tested explanation that accounts for lots of observations and hypotheses. • Theories are based on data, logic, scientific laws, accepted principles, and rules of procedure devised to analyze, predict, or otherwise explain the nature or behavior of a specific set of phenomena.

Principle • A concept based on scientific laws and axioms (rules assumed to be present, true, and valid) where general agreement is present.

Essay in Journal – Paragraph 1 • In a paragraph compare an observation with an inference. • Give an example of each.

Essay in Journal – Paragraph 2 • In a paragraph compare a hypothesis with a theory. • Give an example of each.

Essay in Journal – Paragraph 3 • In a paragraph compare a law with a principle. • Give an example of each.

Understanding Scientific Terms: Observation, Inference, Hypothesis, Law, Theory, Principle, and Fact

Understanding Scientific Terms: Observation, Inference, Hypothesis, Law, Theory, Principle, and Fact

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Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

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