2026-27 - LMS Science Vocabulary

independent variable

A variable that is manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

dependent variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment and is affected by the independent variable.

conclusion

The final statement that summarizes the results and interpretations of an experiment.

observation

The act of noting and recording something using the senses or instruments.

prediction

A statement forecasting what will happen in the future based on past experiences or evidence.

data

Information collected during an experiment, often in the form of measurements.

bias

A systematic error in an experiment that skews the results.

hypothesis

A testable statement that predicts the relationship between variables in an experiment.

control

The standard of comparison in an experiment; it remains unchanged.

quantitative

Data that can be measured and written down in numerical form.

law (scientific)

A statement that describes a consistent relationship observed in nature based on repeated experiments.

inference

A logical interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge.

classify

To arrange items or ideas into categories based on shared characteristics.

qualitative

Data that describes qualities or characteristics and cannot be measured numerically.

theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world based on a body of evidence.

evidence

Data or observations that support a claim or hypothesis.

system

A group of interacting or interrelated components that work together to achieve a common goal.

density

The mass per unit volume of a substance, commonly expressed in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³).

mass

A measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in grams or kilograms.

liter

A unit of volume equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (cm³).

volume

The amount of space occupied by an object, usually measured in liters or cubic centimeters.

weight

The force exerted by gravity on an object, often measured in newtons or pounds.

gram

A unit of mass in the metric system, equal to one-thousandth of a kilogram.

meter

A standard unit of length in the metric system, equivalent to approximately 39.37 inches.

Celsius

A temperature scale where 0°C is the freezing point of water and 100°C is the boiling point.

matter

Anything that has mass and occupies space.

atom

The smallest unit of an element, consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

element

A pure substance made of only one type of atom, cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

molecule

A group of two or more atoms bonded together.

erosion

The process by which soil and rock are removed from the Earth's surface and transported elsewhere.

inertia

The tendency of an object to resist changes in its state of motion.

work

The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object over a distance.

energy

The capacity to do work; can exist in various forms such as kinetic, potential, thermal, etc.

force

A push or pull exerted on an object that can cause it to change its motion.

gravity

The attractive force between two masses; the force that pulls objects toward the Earth.

friction

The resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another.

organelle

A specialized structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

cell

The basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all living organisms.

species

A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

adaptation

A characteristic that enhances the survival and reproductive success of an organism in its environment.

organism

Any living thing that can function independently.

properties

Characteristics or traits that define a substance's physical or chemical nature.