Science

hypothesis

An explanation for a question or problem that can be formally tested.

experiment

An investigation that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions.

data

Information obtained from an experiment.

quantitative data

Data expressed in numbers.

conclusion

The step of the scientific method where you accept or reject your hypothesis.

independent variable

What you have control over in an experiment.

dependent variable

What is being measured and affected in an experiment.

Claim, Evidence, Reasoning (CER)

A process used to test scientific hypotheses.

control group

The group in an experiment that does not receive the treatment.

lab safety

Rules and guidelines to ensure safety in the laboratory.

microscope

An instrument used to view small objects or organisms.

eyepiece

Also known as the ocular lens; where you look through the microscope.

course adjustment

Used to fine-tune the focus of the microscope.

fine adjustment

Moves the stage up and down for focusing with low and medium objective lenses.

stage clips

Holds a slide in place on the stage for viewing.

light source

Shines light upward through the specimen.

nosepiece

Rotates to change between different objective lenses.

objective lenses

Lens choices in a microscope ranging from 4X to 40X.

cell membrane

Regulates what enters and leaves the cell.

organelle

A structure within a cell that performs a specific function.

mitochondria

Organelle where ATP (energy) is produced.

chloroplasts

Organelles associated with photosynthesis.

photosynthesis

The process where organisms convert sunlight into glucose.

cellular respiration

The process of breaking down glucose to produce ATP.

glycolysis

The first stage of cellular respiration that occurs in the cytoplasm.

Krebs cycle

The second stage of cellular respiration that takes place in the mitochondrial matrix.

electron transport chain

The final stage of cellular respiration that produces the most ATP.

fermentation

A process that generates energy without using oxygen.

biomass pyramid

A representation showing energy flow through trophic levels.

autotrophs

Organisms that acquire energy from the sun.

heterotrophs

Organisms that acquire energy from other organisms.

stem cells

Cells with no specific function that can differentiate into specialized cells.

DNA replication

The process by which DNA makes an identical copy of itself.

nucleotide

A monomer of DNA composed of a phosphate group, sugar, and nitrogen base.

double helix

The shape formed by two strands of DNA.

adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

The energy-carrying molecule of the cell.

carbon (C)

One of the six essential elements of life.

hydrogen (H)

Another essential element of life.

oxygen (O)

A vital element for living organisms.

nitrogen (N)

An essential element found in amino acids and nucleic acids.

phosphorus (P)

An important element for nucleic acids and energy molecules.