8th Grade Science

8th Grade Science Flashcards

Scientific Method

A process consisting of question, hypothesis, experiment, data, and conclusion.

Independent Variable

The variable that is changed in an experiment.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured in an experiment.

Scientific Theory

An explanation based on evidence that can change with new data.

Scientific Law

A rule that describes a pattern in nature and usually does not change.

Atom

The basic unit of matter, consisting of protons (+), neutrons (0), and electrons (-).

Atomic Number

The number of protons in an atom.

Metals

Elements that are shiny and conduct electricity.

Nonmetals

Elements that are dull and insulate electricity.

Newton's First Law

Objects stay at rest or in motion unless acted on by a force.

Newton's Second Law

Force equals mass times acceleration (F = ma).

Newton's Third Law

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Kinetic Energy

Energy of motion.

Potential Energy

Stored energy.

Conduction

Transfer of heat through direct touch.

Convection

Transfer of heat through fluids.

Radiation

Transfer of heat without direct touch.

Cell Theory

All living things are made of cells, cells are the basic unit of life, and cells come from other cells.

Nucleus

The control center of the cell.

Mitochondria

The organelle that makes energy for the cell.

Chloroplast

The organelle that makes food in plant cells.

DNA

Genetic material passed from parents.

Dominant Trait

A trait that shows if present.

Recessive Trait

A trait that shows only if two copies are present.

Producers

Organisms that make their own food, like plants.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organisms.

Crust

The thin outer layer of the Earth.

Earthquakes

Caused by transform boundaries (plates sliding).

Mountains

Caused by convergent boundaries (plates colliding).

Igneous Rocks

One of the three types of rocks.

Sedimentary Rocks

One of the three types of rocks.

Metamorphic Rocks

One of the three types of rocks.

Water Cycle

Driven by the Sun.

Seasons

Caused by Earth's tilt.

Tides

Caused by the Moon's gravity.

Weather

Short term atmospheric conditions.

Climate

Long term average weather conditions.

Inner Planets

Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars (rocky).

Outer Planets

Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune (gas giants).