Ghana SHS Core & Elective Subjects – First-Year Overview

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from Integrated Science, Core Mathematics, Elective Mathematics, French, and Social Studies topics for Ghana SHS first-year students.

Diversity of Matter

The study of different forms, properties, and classifications of matter.

Nature of Matter

Explores the physical and chemical characteristics that distinguish substances.

Mixtures

Combinations of two or more substances that can be physically separated.

Separation Techniques

Methods such as filtration, distillation, and chromatography used to isolate components of mixtures.

Acids

Substances that donate protons (H⁺) in solution and have pH below 7.

Bases

Substances that accept protons or produce OH⁻ ions, with pH above 7.

Salts

Ionic compounds formed from the neutralization of an acid by a base.

Water Cycle

The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Carbon Cycle

The circulation of carbon among the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and geosphere.

Nitrogen Cycle

Processes that convert nitrogen between its various chemical forms in the environment.

Digestive System

The body system that breaks down food and absorbs nutrients.

Respiratory System

The system responsible for gas exchange, supplying oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.

Solar System

The Sun and all celestial bodies bound to it by gravity, including planets and asteroids.

Electrical System

An interconnected network that delivers and controls electric power.

Forms of Energy

Different manifestations such as kinetic, potential, thermal, chemical, and electrical energy.

Sources of Energy

Origins of usable power, e.g., fossil fuels, solar, wind, hydro, and nuclear.

Energy Transformation

Conversion of energy from one form to another.

Energy Conservation (Physics)

The principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.

Heat

Thermal energy transferred between objects due to temperature difference.

Light

Electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye.

Sound

Vibrational energy that travels through a medium as mechanical waves.

Chemical Reaction

A process resulting in the chemical transformation of substances.

Force

A push or pull acting on an object, causing a change in motion.

Motion

The change in position of an object over time.

Pressure in Fluids

The force exerted per unit area within liquids and gases.

Number and Numeration

The study of numbers, their properties, and representation systems.

Set

A well-defined collection of distinct objects or elements.

Real Numbers

All rational and irrational numbers on the continuous number line.

Fractions

Numbers that express parts of a whole using a numerator and denominator.

Decimals

Numbers expressed using a decimal point to separate whole and fractional parts.

Percentages

Fractions expressed per hundred, denoted by the symbol %.

Algebraic Expression

A mathematical phrase involving variables, constants, and operations.

Linear Equation

An equation whose graph forms a straight line.

Inequality

A mathematical statement comparing two values using

Factorization

Breaking down an expression into a product of its factors.

Expansion (Algebra)

Multiplying out brackets to express an algebraic product as a sum.

Angle

The measure of rotation between two intersecting lines or rays.

Line

A straight one-dimensional figure extending infinitely in both directions.

Plane Figure

A flat, two-dimensional shape such as a triangle or rectangle.

Trigonometry (Intro)

The branch of mathematics dealing with relationships between angles and sides of triangles.

Mensuration

Measurement of geometric figures’ length, area, and volume.

Perimeter

The total distance around a two-dimensional shape.

Area

The measure of surface covered by a two-dimensional figure.

Volume

The amount of space occupied by a three-dimensional object.

Statistics

The collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data.

Probability

The measure of how likely an event is to occur.

Measures of Central Tendency

Statistical values (mean, median, mode) representing the center of a data set.

Function

A relation where each input has exactly one output.

Relation

A set of ordered pairs showing a connection between elements of two sets.

Quadratic Equation

An equation of the form ax² + bx + c = 0, where a ≠ 0.

Quadratic Inequality

An inequality involving a quadratic expression, e.g., ax² + bx + c > 0.

Surd

An irrational root that cannot be simplified to remove the radical sign.

Index (Exponent)

A number that indicates how many times the base is multiplied by itself.

Trigonometric Ratio

Functions (sin, cos, tan) relating angles to side lengths in right triangles.

Trigonometric Identity

An equation involving trig functions that holds true for all valid angle values.

Solution of Triangles

Finding unknown sides or angles using trigonometry and geometric rules.

Circle

A set of points equidistant from a central point in a plane.

Chord

A straight line segment whose endpoints lie on a circle.

Tangent (Circle)

A line that touches a circle at exactly one point.

Locus (plural Loci)

The set of points that satisfy a specific condition or rule.

Transformation (Geometry)

Operations such as translation, rotation, reflection, or enlargement applied to figures.

Vector

A quantity possessing both magnitude and direction.

Equilibrium of Forces

A state in which the sum of forces on an object is zero.

Motion in a Straight Line

Movement along a single axis, analyzed with concepts of displacement, velocity, and acceleration.

French Greetings

Common French expressions used to greet or introduce people, e.g., 'Bonjour' and 'Comment ça va?'.

Classroom Instructions (French)

French phrases used by teachers or students in class, such as 'Écoutez' (listen).

French Numbers

The vocabulary for counting and expressing quantities in French.

Francophone Culture

Traditions, customs, and lifestyles of French-speaking communities worldwide.

Reading Comprehension (French)

The ability to understand and interpret written French texts.

Environmental Degradation

The deterioration of the natural environment through depletion of resources and pollution.

Population

The total number of inhabitants within a specific area.

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another for residence or work.

Culture

Shared beliefs, customs, arts, and way of life of a group.

National Identity

A sense of belonging to a nation, shaped by shared history and values.

Governance

The processes and structures for decision-making and control in society.

Politics

Activities associated with governance, policy-making, and power relations.

Stability (Political)

The condition where a government and society function without excessive conflict or upheaval.

Social Justice

Fair and just relations between individuals and society, including equal rights and opportunities.

Responsibility

An obligation to perform duties and be accountable for actions.

National Development

The progress of a nation in economic growth, social well-being, and infrastructure.

Self-Reliance

The ability of individuals or nations to meet needs using their own resources.

Individual’s Role in Development

The contribution each citizen makes toward the growth and improvement of their nation.