Master the vocabulary of scientific inquiry, testing, and methodology.
Introduction to vocabulary for experiments and methodology.
Everyday English uses words like "test" or "check" to describe finding something out. For example, you check if the soup is hot, or test a new video game.
However, in academic English, scientists do not just "test" things—they design a formal experiment. Learning the precise vocabulary of an experiment helps you write better lab reports, understand scientific reading, and explain complex processes clearly.
Visual representation of an experimental setup.
A visual representation of an experiment comparing a control, a variable, and taking a measurement.
A visual flow of the scientific method.
These images show the steps and tools we use in science. They help us ask good questions and find out the truth about how things work.
Experiment: An experiment is a test to see if an idea is true. The doodle shows a person using a dropper to add liquid to a plant and a timer to see what happens over time.
Hypothesis: This is a smart guess about what will happen. The paper plane flying toward the target shows someone aiming for a specific result they expect to see.
Variable: A variable is the one thing you change in a test to see its effect. The lamp shines a red light on the plant to see if changing the light color makes the plant grow differently.
Control: A control is the part of the test that stays normal so you can compare results. One cup gets a drop of liquid while the other stays plain to see the difference between them.
Observation: This is using your senses to notice details. The doodle shows a giant eye looking very closely at a curled leaf to see exactly what it looks like.
Measurement: This is using a tool to find the exact size or amount of something. The carrot stands next to a tall ruler to see exactly how many inches it has grown.
Result: A result is what actually happens at the end of a test. The large leaf under the lamp shows that the plant grew bigger because of the light and water it received.
Conclusion: This is the final decision you make based on your facts. The hand puts different blocks into a box to show how all the information fits together to give us an answer.
Sequence the steps of a scientific method.
Drag the steps of a scientific investigation into their correct chronological order.
Sort examples into independent, dependent, and control variables.
Terms
Definitions
AI-evaluated description of a simple experiment.
Write a testable prediction about hot versus cold water.
What will you change? What must stay exactly the same to be fair?
How will you measure and record the results exactly?