Prep Science: Experiment and Data Collection Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word Definition

accurate A measured value that is close to the true value.

controlled variables Variables that you keep the same during the experiment.
dependent variable Variable that you measure. Y variable.
Residual The vertical distance between a data point and the best fit line, (or best fit curve). It is
Or error measured in the units of the dependent variable. It is sometimes called “error”
independent variable Variable that you change. X variable.
precise Measured values that are close to each other for every measurement.
procedure A set of steps that you follow to complete the experiment, the instructions for how to
complete the experiment. Also called the method.
qualitative Data on the characteristics or qualities of the experiment. You make observations with
your senses to get qualitative data.
quantitative Data on the quantities or numbers involved in the experiment. You make measurements
to get quantitative data.
source of error This is what causes your data to not fit the pattern. It can be caused by mistakes you make,
problems with equipment, or something you can explain with science concepts.
valid An experiment with data that is trusted. Also called reliable. The more data you collect by
repeating your experiment, the more valid your results are.

beaker A container to hold liquids in lab.

Bunsen burner Used to heat chemicals in lab. Makes a flame.
electronic balance Used to measure mass.
graduated cylinder Used to measure volume. The volume of a liquid must be measured from the bottom of
the meniscus.
lab coat A white coat to protect your clothes and skin in lab.
meniscus The curved surface of a liquid. When a liquid is in a graduated cylinder, the volume must
be read from the bottom of the meniscus.
safety glasses Glasses to protect your eyes in lab.
spatula A flat metal tool used to transfer solids in lab. (We didn’t use this in lab yet!)
tare A button on the electronic balance that makes the balance read zero mass.
test tube Glass tubes used to hold small amounts of chemicals.
thermometer Used to measure the temperature.
weigh boat A plastic dish used to contain solids when you use an electronic balance. It protects the
balance and keeps it clean.

correlation The relationship between the variables in the graph in words.

line of best fit A line that represents the general trend in the data. It should be drawn through or close to
as many data points as possible, with similar error in data above and below the line.
slope The mathematical relationship between the variables.

density Mass divided by volume. Measured in grams per milliliter.

length The size of an object in one dimension. Measured in centimeters.
mass The amount of matter in an object. Measured in grams.
volume The amount of space that an object takes up. Measured in milliliters.
units A standard quantity of measurement. What a property is measured in, for example: grams,
milliliters, or centimeters.

Vocab semester 1