Nature of Science

3. the factor that is changed by the investigator to observe how it affects a dependent variable
4. a model that is used to test a design
8. a rule that describes a pattern in nature
12. an explanation of observations or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations
13. the use of words to describe what is observed in an experiment
15. the degree to which something produces benefits compared to its cost
17. the application of science and mathematics to solve problems
18. a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations

1. a process of comparing the predicted benefits and costs of a solution
2. a description of how close a measurement is to an accepted value
5. the part of an experiment that contains the same factors as the experimental group, but the independent variable is not changed
6. the act of using one or more of your senses to gather information and take note of what occurs
7. the use of numbers to describe what is observed in an experiment
9. a situation in which you must choose between two things, giving up one in exchange for the other
10. the requirements or specifications for a solution to be successful
11. the factors in an experiment that remain the same
14. limitations put on the design of a solution
16. the confidence that can be placed in the truth of specific findings