6th Grade Science Final Study Guide

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the 6th grade science final study guide, focusing on hypotheses, Earth systems, weathering, types of rocks, and layers of the Earth's interior.

Hypothesis

A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question; a prediction or guess.

Independent Variable

The thing in an experiment that the scientist changes on purpose to test; also known as the manipulated variable.

Dependent Variable

The thing in an experiment that is the result or changes because of the independent variable; also known as the responding variable.

Control

The things that stay the same or consistent throughout the experiment.

Observing

Using one or more senses to gather information.

Inferring

Explaining things you observe based on knowledge you already have.

Predicting

Making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on evidence or past experiences.

Classifying

Sorting items into categories based on similarities.

Making a Model

Creating a representation of an idea, object, or process that cannot be studied directly.

Atmosphere

The outermost sphere, a mixture of gases (mostly nitrogen and oxygen).

Hydrosphere

Earth’s bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and ice.

Geosphere

Earth's solid and rocky layer, containing continents, islands, and the ocean floor.

Biosphere

All living things, including life in the air, water, and on or under the Earth's surface.

Mechanical Weathering

The physical breakdown of rock into smaller pieces without changing its chemical composition.

Chemical Weathering

The breakdown of rock through chemical changes, resulting in a new substance.

Convection

Heat transfer by the movement of currents within a fluid.

Radiation

The transfer of heat through space without direct contact between the heat source and the object.

Conduction

Heat transfer within a material or between materials that are touching.

Abrasion

The mechanical weathering process where rock is worn away by the grinding action of other rock particles.

Igneous Rock

Rock formed by the hardening and cooling of lava or magma.

Sedimentary Rock

Rock formed when sediments are layered and compacted under pressure.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock formed when existing rocks are subjected to heat and pressure, resulting in new rock types.

Lithosphere

The outermost layer of the Earth composed of the crust and the upper part of the mantle.

Asthenosphere

The layer of the mantle below the lithosphere, characterized by weaker, more plastic-like material.

Outer Core

The liquid layer of the Earth's core, composed of liquid iron and nickel.

Inner Core

A solid ball of metal, made up of solid nickel and iron, and the densest layer of the Earth.