| Arizona Standards
Science Standards
(Adopted 6/23/97)
SCIENCE GLOSSARY
Classify To relate objects and
events according to their properties or attributes based on their
similarities
Equilibrium The physical state in
which forces and changes occur in opposite and offsetting
directions. Steady state, balance, and homeostasis also describe
equilibrium states
Evolution Evolution is a series of
changes, some gradual and some sporadic, that accounts for the
present form and function of objects, organisms, and natural and
designed systems. The general idea of evolution is that the present
arises from materials and forms of the past.
Experiment To test a hypothesis
through the manipulation and control of independent variables and
noting the effects on a dependent variable. Interpreting and
presenting results in the form of a report that others can follow to
replicate the experiment
Fact A confirmed, or at least
agreed-upon, empirical observation or conclusion
Homeostasis A relatively stable state of equilibrium or a tendency toward
such a state between the different, but interdependent, elements or
groups of elements of an organism or group
Homologous To have the same relative position, value or structure
Hypothesize To state a tentative generalization of observations or
inferences that may be used to explain a relatively large number of
events that is subject to immediate or eventual testing by one or
more experiments
Infer To derive a conclusion from
facts or premises
Justify To show or prove that something is right or
reasonable
Measure To express the amount of an object or substance in
quantitative terms, such as meters, liters, grams
Models
Tentative schemes or structures
that correspond to real objects, events, or classes of
events
Observe To note the properties of
objects and situations using the five senses
Phenomenon An observable fact or
event; a fact or event of scientific interest susceptible of
scientific description and explanation
Predict To forecast a future
occurrence based on past observation or the extension of an
idea
Protocol The plan of a scientific
experiment; a written plan of action
Scatter
plot A graph
of the points representing a collection of data
Science A set of cognitive and
methodological techniques designed to describe and interpret
observed or inferred phenomena, past or present, aimed at building a
testable body of knowledge which is open to rejection or
confirmation
Scientific method The use of hypothesis,
experiment, inference to derive and improve models
Science as
inquiry
Inquiry is a multifaceted activity which includes asking
questions, planning and conducting investigations, using appropriate
tools and techniques to gather data, thinking critically and
logically about relationships between evidence and explanations,
constructing and analyzing alternative explanations, and
communicating scientific arguments
System An organized group of
related objects or components that form a whole. For example,
systems can consist of organisms, machines, fundamental particles,
galaxies, ideas, numbers, transportation, and education. Systems
have boundaries, components, resources flow (input and output), and
feedback
Technology The application of
science to solve practical problems, doing something more
efficiently, or improving the quality of life
Theory
An integrated, comprehensive
explanation of a lot of facts and capable of generating hypotheses
and testable predictions about the natural world
Venn
diagram An
arrangement of circles to represent logical relationships
demonstrated by the inclusion, exclusion or the intersection of
circles
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