Science Curriculum: Solar System, Earth Science, and Energy Resources

Vocabulary flashcards covering key topics in space science, Earth's cycles, natural and synthetic resources, renewable and non-renewable energy, and sustainability.

Sun

A celestial body possessing features that make it challenging to study up close.

Earth's rotation

The spinning motion of the Earth that explains the occurrence of day and night.

Day and night

Diurnal phenomena on Earth that can be explored using a model and explained in terms of the Earth's rotation.

Solar System

A planetary system formed with orbits, gravity, and satellites, situated within the Milky Way galaxy.

Milky Way galaxy

The galaxy that contains the Solar System and its common objects.

Tilt of the Earth's axis

The inclination of Earth's rotational axis that causes seasons, demonstrates changes in daylight hours, and relates to seasonal temperature change.

Seasons

Periodic climatic changes caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and associated with variations in daylight hours and temperature.

Phases of the Moon

The recurring stages and changing appearances of the Moon.

Lunar and solar eclipses

Astronomical eclipse events with distinct causes and differences between them.

Tides

Cyclical water level changes occurring on Earth whose causes are studied in relation to astronomical bodies.

Natural resources

Naturally occurring resources, such as those related to animals and plants, distinguished from synthetic resources.

Synthetic resources

Artificially produced resources that are distinguished from natural resources.

Animal experimentation

The scientific use of animals that is critically examined and discussed as an ethical and resource issue.

Renewable resources

Resources that are naturally replenished, contrasted with non-renewable resources.

Non-renewable resources

Finite resources that are distinguished from renewable resources.

Fossil fuels

Important energy resources evaluated to consider whether they are classified as renewable.

Nuclear energy

An energy resource examined alongside fossil fuels to determine whether it is renewable.

Solar, wind, and hydropower

The three main types of renewable energy.

Sustainability

A concept explored through a range of examples concerning resource consumption and environmental stewardship.