Extended Learning Project (ELP)
Some key words from GCSE Science
Definition of each word:
Independent Variable- an independent variable is a variable that in the practical that can be changed e.g. the Beaker, what flame you use and what material you test on etc. something that can be changes, the variable of the practical you use but is not essential. It can be manipulated and changed. It is the independent utensil within the experiment.
Dependent Variable- a dependent variable is a variable is a variable that in the practical measures the experiment, e.g. time, space, length etc. something that you need to find out in the practical what you are dependent on for its success.
Control Variable- a control variable is the variable held constant in an experiment that never changes and isn’t meant to be changed e.g. Statistics, a person, a group and an event etc. The control variable controls the experiment.
Hypothesis- a hypothesis is much like a theory, but with more background evidence supporting the hypothesis. Dictionary answer:
1) A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for further investigation.
2) A proposition made as a basis for reasoning, without any assumption of its truth.
Prediction- A prediction is much like an estimate of a future occurrence, so a proved example of an outcome at the end of a practical.
Conclusion- is the verified outcome of a practical after the experiment has been conducted, the written summarisation of what the experiment concluded.
Evaluation- is the written summarisation of ALL the events occurred within the practical, what, why, when, how and could you improve it? Was it a fair test?
Reliability of data- meaning to have reliable and valid evidence of information, it has to be verified, e.g getting information from a secondary