Lab Vocabulary

3. device used to transfer organisms from one source to another
6. deeps solid medium in a test tube, cooled upright so that the surface is level
8. the independent variable alters the dependent variable
11. method a series of steps to building an experiment that addresses a hypothesis, which usually leads to new questions
13. burner open flame that sterilizes air and certain equipment
15. this is a situation or group that is considered "normal" or original that is used to compare the experimental group with
17. accidentally adding in an unknown organism
18. document prepared by chemical manufacturers for any chemical which presents a hazard to health and safety
19. to transfer without contamination
20. microorganisms suspended in water droplet in air, want to avoid creating these
24. culture culture containing one single organism
25. items researchers are paying attention to during their study
29. medium containing living organisms
31. temperature Most species grow slower at this temperature
32. variables these are the items manipulated and changed by the researchers that should cause a change in the dependent variable
33. solid medium in a plastic petri dish
34. body temperature Most species grow faster at this warmer temperature
35. repeatedly observable actions or items, used to make a hypothesis

1. a specific and testable explanation for an observation or to answer a question
2. two groups of measurements are related to one another in some way but cause and effect cannot be concluded
4. surface or medium that no living organisms
5. variables these are items measured by researchers and a difference is predicted to occur
6. solidifying agent added to media, similar to gelatin
7. tube rack metal holder to organize and keep test tubes up right
9. temperature-controlled box where cultures are put to grow
10. action of purposefully adding microorganisms to sterilized media
12. a broader and larger explanation for multiple observations that is supported by previous research
14. experiments research where scientists purposefully manipulating surroundings or other items
16. variables these are items kept the same between the two groups to avoid alternate explanations for why the dependent variable differed
21. studies research where scientists simply observe the natural world without manipulating anything
22. removal of living organisms from non-living objects
23. well agreed upon explanations for facts
26. solid medium in a test tube, cooled on at an angle so that the surface is slanted
27. culture culture that contains multiple organisms
28. substance used to grow organisms, contains all nutrients to sustain life
30. liquid medium in a test tube