Visionlearning Glossary

The quantitative estimation of error, which indicates the precision of a measurement or value. All measurements include some amount of uncertainty generated through a combination of systematic and random error. See our module Data: Uncertainty, Error, and Confidence.

Used in the following modules: Data: Analysis and Interpretation, Data: Statistics, Data: Uncertainty, Error, and Confidence, Data: Using Graphs and Visual Data, Research Methods: Modeling, Research Methods: The Practice of Science, Scientific Communication: Understanding Scientific Journals and Articles, The Scientific Method

The fundamental geological principle that the processes that are operating now to shape the world around us have been operating throughout the geologic past as well. This principle was first proposed by James Hutton in the mid-1700’s, and implied that the earth had to be billions of years old to create all of the rocks and structures we see today. Importantly, uniformitarianism does not require that all changes happen at the same rate; some processes are slow, like the deposition of sediment in deltas, others are fast, like volcanic eruptions. This principle is often paraphrased as “The present is the key to the past.”

Used in the following modules: Data: Using Graphs and Visual Data, Ideas in Science: Theories, Hypotheses, and Laws, The Rock Cycle

An accepted quantity used as a standard of measurement. For example, the meter, liter and gram.

Used in the following modules: Acids and Bases, Carbohydrates, Cells, Data: Using Graphs and Visual Data, Density, Earth's Atmosphere, Energy, Gravity, Nuclear Chemistry, Research Methods: Description, Research Methods: The Practice of Science, Scientific Communication: Utilizing the Scientific Literature, Temperature, The Metric System, Unit Conversion, Wave Mathematics, Waves and Wave Motion

the cosmos and everything that exists in it.

Used in the following modules: Charles Darwin I, Earth's Atmosphere, Energy, Gravity, Light I, Light II, Matter, Matter: States of Matter, Research Methods: Description, Research Methods: The Practice of Science, Scientific Communication: Peer Review, The Carbon Cycle, The Nature of Scientific Knowledge, The Process of Science

a gland on the back at the base of the tail in most birds that secretes an oil fluid used by the bird in preening and waterproofing its feathers.

Used in the following modules: Adaptation