6th Grade Science Topic 1 & 2

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes covering scientific methods, weather phenomena, and Earth's characteristics.

Evidence

Information or data that helps support an idea or conclusion.

Hypothesis

An educated guess that can be tested through experiments.

Controlled Experiment

A scientific test where only one factor is changed while others stay the same.

Test Variable (Independent Variable)

The factor a scientist purposely changes in an investigation.

Outcome Variable (Dependent Variable)

The factor that is measured in an investigation; it changes in response to what is tested.

Controlled Variables (Constants)

Conditions that stay the same so the test is fair.

Systematic Observations

Careful, organized notes or measurements made over time.

Models

Representations of things that are too big, small, or complex to study directly.

Replication

When other scientists repeat an investigation to confirm the results.

Repetition

When a scientist repeats their own investigation multiple times.

Weather

The condition of the air and sky at a specific time and place.

Natural Disaster

A sudden event in nature that causes destruction.

Hurricane

A powerful rotating storm with strong winds and heavy rain that forms over warm oceans.

Storm Surge

An abnormal rise of ocean water pushed toward land by strong winds.

Flood

Water covering land that is usually dry.

Wildfire

A large, fast-moving fire that spreads outdoors.

Drought

A long period with little or no rain.

Sinkholes

Large holes in the ground caused when the land above collapses into spaces underground.

Atmosphere

The layers of gases surrounding Earth.

Pressure

The force applied on an area by air or water.

Precipitation

Water falling from clouds as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Latitude

Imaginary horizontal lines that measure distance north or south of the equator.

Longitude

Imaginary vertical lines that measure distance east or west of the prime meridian.