NB Grade 8 Scientific Literacy key terms

The process scientists use to ask questions, gather evidence, test ideas, and explain findings. It involves observing, hypothesizing, experimenting, analyzing data, and drawing evidence-based conclusions.

A testable prediction or proposed explanation for an observation, often written as an if-then statement. It must be supported or rejected by evidence collected during an investigation.

Any factor in an experiment that can change or be changed. Scientists control variables to ensure that results are caused by the factor being tested.

The factor that a scientist deliberately changes or manipulates in an experiment. Its effect is observed by measuring the dependent variable.

The factor that is measured or observed in an experiment. It responds to changes in the independent variable and provides the data used to evaluate the hypothesis.

A factor that is kept the same throughout an experiment so it does not affect the outcome. Controlling variables helps ensure that results are due only to the independent variable.

Information or measurements collected during an investigation. Data can be numbers (quantitative) or descriptions (qualitative) and are used as evidence to support conclusions.

A judgment or decision reached by reasoning from evidence and data. It states whether the hypothesis was supported and explains what the results mean.

An experiment in which only one variable is changed at a time while all others are kept constant. This allows a scientist to attribute results to the tested variable.

The smallest unit of life that can carry out all life processes. All living organisms are made of one or more cells, which contain structures called organelles.

The thin, flexible outer covering of a cell that controls what enters and leaves. It separates the cell's interior from its environment and helps maintain homeostasis.

The organelle that contains a cell's genetic material (DNA) and directs its activities. It acts as the control center for growth, reproduction, and other cell functions.

A specialized structure inside a cell that performs a specific function, such as making energy or proteins. Examples include the nucleus, mitochondria, and chloroplasts.

Organelles that release energy from food through cellular respiration. They are often called the powerhouse of the cell because they supply usable energy for cell activities.

The movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration. It continues until the particles are evenly spread out.

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane from an area of higher water concentration to an area of lower water concentration. It helps cells maintain water balance.

A group of organs that work together to perform a major function in the body, such as digestion or circulation. Examples include the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems.

The ability of an organism to keep its internal conditions stable despite changes in the environment. It involves feedback mechanisms that regulate temperature, water, and other factors.

The biological process by which organisms produce new individuals. It can be asexual, involving one parent, or sexual, involving the joining of male and female sex cells.

The joining of a male sex cell (sperm) and a female sex cell (egg) to form a zygote. This process combines genetic material from two parents.

A reproductive cell, such as a sperm or egg, that contains half the usual number of chromosomes. Two gametes join during fertilization to form a new organism.

Anything that has mass and takes up space. Matter exists in different states, such as solid, liquid, and gas, and is made of particles called atoms and molecules.

A scientific model that describes matter as made of tiny particles in constant motion. It explains properties of solids, liquids, and gases and how substances mix or change state.

A combination of two or more substances that are not chemically joined and can be separated by physical means. Examples include air, salt water, and soil.

A homogeneous mixture in which one substance (the solute) is dissolved in another (the solvent). The particles are evenly distributed and not visible.

The substance that is dissolved in a solvent to form a solution. It is usually present in a smaller amount than the solvent.

The substance that dissolves a solute to form a solution. It is usually the component present in the greater amount, such as water in salt water.

The amount of a substance in a given volume or mass of a mixture or solution. A higher concentration means more particles are packed into the same space.

A push or pull that can change an object's motion, direction, or shape. Force is measured in newtons and has both size and direction.

A change in an object's position over time relative to a reference point. Motion can be described by speed, velocity, and acceleration.

A force that opposes motion when two surfaces rub together. It converts some kinetic energy into heat and can slow down or stop moving objects.

A force of attraction between objects that have mass. On Earth, gravity pulls objects toward the planet's center and gives them weight.

The ability to do work or cause change. Energy exists in many forms, such as kinetic, potential, thermal, and chemical, and can be transferred or transformed.

The energy an object has because of its motion. It depends on the object's mass and speed; faster or heavier moving objects have more kinetic energy.

Stored energy that an object has because of its position or condition. For example, a raised object has gravitational potential energy that can become kinetic energy when it falls.

A change of energy from one form to another. For example, a lamp transforms electrical energy into light and thermal energy.

The continuous process by which rocks change from one type to another over time. It involves melting, cooling, weathering, erosion, deposition, and metamorphism.

A rock formed when molten material (magma or lava) cools and solidifies. It can be intrusive, cooling slowly underground, or extrusive, cooling quickly on the surface.

A rock formed from layers of sediment that are compacted and cemented over time. It often contains fossils and provides evidence of past environments.

A rock that has been changed by heat and pressure deep underground. Its minerals may rearrange into new patterns without the rock melting.

The scientific theory that Earth's outer shell is divided into large plates that move slowly over time. Their movements cause earthquakes, volcanoes, and mountain building.

A sudden shaking of the ground caused by the release of energy when rock breaks or moves along a fault. It is often associated with plate boundaries.

The Sun and all the objects that orbit it, including planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Gravity keeps these objects in their paths around the Sun.

A large, round body that orbits a star and has cleared its orbit of other debris. In our solar system, there are eight planets, including Earth.

The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, such as tools, machines, and systems. Technology can have both intended and unintended effects on society and the environment.

A series of steps engineers use to solve problems, including defining a problem, designing solutions, building and testing prototypes, and improving them based on results.

The effect that human activities or technologies have on the natural world, such as pollution, habitat loss, or resource depletion. Impacts can be positive or negative and may be reduced through careful design.

Using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations.