Module 1 Vocabulary

Science

a systematic and evidence-based approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and reasoning

Scientific Claim

A statement about the natural world that is testable and falsifiable through scientific investigation. Based on evidence and reasoning

Anecdotal Evidence

Informal observations or personal stories that are not systematically collected or analyzed

Peer Review

A process in which scientists evaluate and critique each other’s work before it is published in a scientific journal. Weeds out sloppy work and ensures quality

Hypothesis

An explanation for a phenomenon, based on limited evidence, that can be tested through experimentation or observation

Independent Variable

The variable in an experiment that is deliberately manipulated or changed by the researcher to observe its effect on the dependent variable

Dependent Variable

The variable in an experiment that is measured or observed to determine the effect of the independent variable

Controlled Variable

A variable in an experiment that is kept constant or unchanged to ensure that the results are due only to the independent variable

Experimental Group

The group in an experiment that receives that treatment or manipulation of the independent variable

Control Group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment or manipulation, serves as a baseline to compare the effects of the independent variable

Placebo

An inactive substance given to a control group in a clinical trial, mimics the treatment but has no therapeutic effect, helping the true impact of the actual treatment

Sample Size

The number of observation or participants included in a study

Statistical Significance

A measure of whether the results of a study are likely due to chance or reflect a true effect

Theory

An explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of evidence, repeatedly tested and confirmed through observed and experimentation

Correlation

A statistical relationship between two variables, where a change in one variable is associated with a change in another, correlation does not imply causation

Causation

A relationship where one variable directly affects or causes a change in another variable. Proven through controlled experiment or strong evidence

Epidemiology

The study of the distribution, patterns, and determinants of health and disease conditions in defined populations, help identify risk factors and causes of diseases

Randomized Clinical Trial

A type of scientific experiment where participants are randomly assigned to either an experimental group or control group

Matter

Anything that has massed and occupies space. Matter is composed of atoms and can exist in solid, liquid, or gas states

Element

A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom, defined by its atomic number. Cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means

Atom

Smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. Consists of protons, neutrons, and electrons

Proton

A positively charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom

Neutron

A neutrally charged subatomic particle found in the nucleus of an atom

Electron

A negatively charged subatomic particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom

Isotope

Variants of an element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons, may be stable or radioactive

Molecule

A group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds

Organic Molecule

A molecule that contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, often with other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, or phosphorus

Inorganic Molecule

A molecule that does not contain carbon-hydrogen bonds (e.g., H2O, CO2, NaCl)

Monomer

A small molecule that can bind to other identical molecules to form a polymer

Polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating subunits (monomers) linked together by chemical bonds

Biological Macromolecule

Large, complex molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids

Carbohydrates

A biological macromolecule composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, usually in a 1:2:1 ratio. Serves as primary energy source and structural component in cells

Proteins

A biological macromolecule made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Performs a wide range of functions, including structural support, enzymes, transport, and signaling

Amino Acids

The building block of protein, has 20 standard amino acids and each with a unique side chain (R-Group)

Nucleic Acid

A biological macromolecule that stores and transmits genetic information, two types are DNA and RNA

Nucleotide

The building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a phosphate group, a sugar (deoxyribose in DNA, ribose in RNA) and a nitrogenous base (ATCGU)

Lipids

A diverse group of hydrophobic biological macromolecules, includes fats, oils, waxes and steroids. Stroes energy and provide insulation

Hydrophobic

“water-fearing”. Substances that do not dissolve in water, repel water molecules

Phospholipid

A type of lipid that is a major component of cell membranes. Have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tails

Phospholipid Bilayer

A double layer of phospholipids that form the core structure of cell membranes. Hydrophilic heads face outwards, hydrophobic tails face inward

Hydrophilic

“water-loving”. Substances dissolve in water and interact favorably with water molecules

Cell

The smallest structural and functional unit of life

Polar Molecule

A molecule with an uneven distribution of electrical charge, resulting in a positive end and a negative end (e.g., water)

Hydrogen Bond

A weak chemical bond formed between the hydrogen atom of one polar molecule and a highly electronegative atoma

Cohesion

The tendency of like molecules to stick together due to hydrogen bonding. Creates surface tension in water, allowing insects to walk on water

Adhesion

The tendency of dissimilar molecules to stick together, allows water to cling to surfaces like plant vessels, enabling capillary actions

Specfic Heat

The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by a certain amount

Solution

A homogenous mixture of two or more substances, where one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent)

Solute

The substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution (e.g., sugar in water)

Solvent

The substance that dissolves a solute to form a solution

pH

a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, based on the concentration of hydrogen ions

Acid

A substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, lowering its pH below 7

Base

A substance that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions in a solution, raising its pH above 7

Homeostasis

The ability of an organism to maintain stable internal conditions, despite changes in the external environment

Stimulus

Any change in the internal or external environment that triggers a response in an organism