GACE SCIENCE

qualitative observation

An observation that describes using your 5 senses. It also uses NO numbers.

quantitative observation

An observation that deals with a number or amount

Inference

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning

Hypothesis

An educated guess

dependent variable

The measurable effect, outcome, or response in which the research is interested.

independent variable

The experimental factor that is manipulated; the variable whose effect is being studied.

control group

In an experiment, the group that is not exposed to the treatment; contrasts with the experimental group and serves as a comparison for evaluating the effect of the treatment.

experimental group

In an experiment, the group that is exposed to the treatment, that is, to one version of the independent variable.

Steps in a scientific investigation

Make observations, ask a question, form a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, draw conclusions, communicate results

System

A group of parts that work together as a whole

discuss the importance of models in teaching science to children

models such as styrofoam ball model of the solar system is important for conceptual understanding in young children

climate

Overall weather in an area over a long period of time

three changes in the environment

forest destruction, pollution, and global warming

three different types of rocks

igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic

igneous rock

a type of rock that forms from the cooling of molten rock at or below the surface

sedimentary rock

A type of rock that forms when particles from other rocks or the remains of plants and animals are pressed and cemented together

metamorphic rock

rock that has been changed by heat and pressure

Erosion

Processes by which rock, sand, and soil are broken down and carried away (i.e. weathering, glaciation)

formation of sedimentary rocks

weathering, erosion, deposition, compaction, cementation

Palentology

the study of fossils

Fossils

Preserved remains of once-living organisms (footprints)

Topography

A description of surface features of land.

2 changes to earth's topography

plate movement and the water cycle

How are mountains formed?

Plates or parts of plates are forced up as plates crash together

constructive

mountains, volcanoes, and sediment deposits

destructive

ravines, trenches, and weathering following erosion

physical properties

A characteristic of a pure substance that can be observed without changing it into another substance

What are physical properties?

color, density, hardness, and conductivity

matter

anything that takes up space and has mass

Structure of an atom

Nucleus holds protons and neutrons, and electrons orbit the nucleus

Prokaryote

A unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane bound organelles

eukaryotes

Cells that contain nuclei

Function of DNA

stores genetic information

metamorphosis

change of form (butterfly)

Larva of butterfly

caterpillar

pupa of butterfly

chrysalis

incomplete metamorphosis

egg, nymph, adult

Ecosystem

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

abiotic factors

Nonliving components of environment.

food chain

A series of steps in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten

Herbivore

A consumer that eats only plants.

Carnivore

A consumer that eats only animals.

Omnivores

eat both plants and animals

Food webs are models that show

how energy is transferred in an entire ecosystem

Symbiosis

A close relationship between two species that benefits at least one of the species.

Mutualism

A relationship between two species in which both species benefit

Commensalism

A relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected

Parasitism

A relationship between two organisms of different species where one benefits and the other is harmed

Inherited traits

characteristics that are passed from parent to offspring

learned behavior

a behavior that has been learned from experience or observation

Adaptations

inherited characteristics of organisms that enhance their survival and reproduction in specific environments

Producer

An organism that can make its own food.