Integrated physical science wgu
Conceptual Model
Used to visualize things that cannot be seen directly, such as atoms.
Computational Model
Uses computers to explain and predict complex systems such as weather patterns
or movements of objects in the solar system.
Hypothesis
A testable statement about how something in nature works.
Theory
Explains a wide range of observations and is supported by a large body of
scientific evidence.
Law
A concise statement supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments
that describes a widespread pattern in nature.
Controlled Experiment
A scientist changes one quantity and observes how another changes.
Independent Variable
The variable changed by the experimenter.
,Integrated physical science wgu
Dependent Variable
The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable.
Controlled Variables
Variables kept constant to ensure a fair test.
Laboratory Observational Study
Conducted in a controlled, artificial environment.
Field Observational Study
Conducted in real-world settings.
Direct Proportionality
As one variable increases, the other increases.
Inverse Proportionality
As one variable increases, the other decreases.
No Correlation
Changes in one variable do not affect the other.
Example Experiment
A scientist studies how sunlight affects plant growth.
,Integrated physical science wgu
Example of Independent Variable
Amount of sunlight.
Example of Dependent Variable
Plant height or growth.
Example of Controlled Variables
Type of plant, water, soil, pot size, and temperature.
Difference between Controlled Experiments and Observational Studies
Controlled experiments test cause-and-effect relationships, while observational
studies involve observing without interference.
Laboratory vs. Field Studies
Laboratory studies allow more control, while field studies show natural behavior.
Physical characteristics
A real, hands-on model of something, usually smaller or bigger than the real thing.
Mathematical Characteristic
Uses numbers, formulas, or equations to show how something works.
Conceptual Characteristics
A picture, diagram, or idea that helps you understand something you can't see.
, Integrated physical science wgu
Computational Characteristics
Uses computers to simulate or predict how things behave.
Physical everday example
A globe for Earth or a model solar system.
Mathematic everyday example
Using speed = distance ÷ time to calculate how fast a car is going.
Conceptual everyday example
Drawing an atom with protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Computation everyday example
A computer weather forecast or a planet orbit simulation.
is hypothesis supported by evidence?
No (it is a tentative, testable idea)
is hypothesis short or long explanation?
Usually a short, testable statement or prediction
Law Is it supported by evidence?
Yes (supported by repeated experiments)
Conceptual Model
Used to visualize things that cannot be seen directly, such as atoms.
Computational Model
Uses computers to explain and predict complex systems such as weather patterns
or movements of objects in the solar system.
Hypothesis
A testable statement about how something in nature works.
Theory
Explains a wide range of observations and is supported by a large body of
scientific evidence.
Law
A concise statement supported by scientific evidence and repeated experiments
that describes a widespread pattern in nature.
Controlled Experiment
A scientist changes one quantity and observes how another changes.
Independent Variable
The variable changed by the experimenter.
,Integrated physical science wgu
Dependent Variable
The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable.
Controlled Variables
Variables kept constant to ensure a fair test.
Laboratory Observational Study
Conducted in a controlled, artificial environment.
Field Observational Study
Conducted in real-world settings.
Direct Proportionality
As one variable increases, the other increases.
Inverse Proportionality
As one variable increases, the other decreases.
No Correlation
Changes in one variable do not affect the other.
Example Experiment
A scientist studies how sunlight affects plant growth.
,Integrated physical science wgu
Example of Independent Variable
Amount of sunlight.
Example of Dependent Variable
Plant height or growth.
Example of Controlled Variables
Type of plant, water, soil, pot size, and temperature.
Difference between Controlled Experiments and Observational Studies
Controlled experiments test cause-and-effect relationships, while observational
studies involve observing without interference.
Laboratory vs. Field Studies
Laboratory studies allow more control, while field studies show natural behavior.
Physical characteristics
A real, hands-on model of something, usually smaller or bigger than the real thing.
Mathematical Characteristic
Uses numbers, formulas, or equations to show how something works.
Conceptual Characteristics
A picture, diagram, or idea that helps you understand something you can't see.
, Integrated physical science wgu
Computational Characteristics
Uses computers to simulate or predict how things behave.
Physical everday example
A globe for Earth or a model solar system.
Mathematic everyday example
Using speed = distance ÷ time to calculate how fast a car is going.
Conceptual everyday example
Drawing an atom with protons, neutrons, and electrons.
Computation everyday example
A computer weather forecast or a planet orbit simulation.
is hypothesis supported by evidence?
No (it is a tentative, testable idea)
is hypothesis short or long explanation?
Usually a short, testable statement or prediction
Law Is it supported by evidence?
Yes (supported by repeated experiments)
