ILEARN Science Grade 6 key terms

Information gathered using the senses or with instruments, such as noting that a plant leans toward a window. Observations can be described in words or measured with numbers.

A conclusion drawn from observations and prior knowledge rather than from direct measurement. For example, seeing wet sidewalks and concluding that it rained earlier.

A testable prediction or proposed explanation that can be checked with an investigation. It is worded so that evidence could support it or show it to be wrong.

Any factor in an investigation that can change, such as temperature, amount of light, or time. Scientists identify variables so they know what is being tested and what must be held constant.

The factor that a scientist deliberately changes or manipulates in an investigation. Its effect on the outcome is what the experiment is designed to reveal.

The factor that is measured or observed in response to a change. It is the outcome that shows whether the independent variable had an effect.

An investigation in which all factors except the one being tested are kept the same. This allows a fair comparison so results can be attributed to the tested variable.

The part of an experiment that does not receive the tested treatment and is used for comparison. It shows what would happen without the change being studied.

Data or observations that support or challenge a claim. Strong evidence comes from careful measurement and can be checked by others.

A statement that something is true, which should be backed by evidence and reasoning. In science, claims are judged by how well the data support them.

The logical link that explains why a piece of evidence supports a claim. It connects scientific principles to the data being discussed.

Recorded observations and measurements collected during an investigation. Data may be organized in tables, graphs, or written notes for analysis.

Information expressed as numbers with units, such as a mass of 25 grams or a time of 12 seconds. Such data can be compared and graphed mathematically.

Descriptive information that cannot easily be counted, such as color, texture, or smell. It is often recorded in words rather than numbers.

A number paired with a unit that describes a property such as length, mass, volume, or temperature. Accurate measurement requires choosing a suitable tool and reading it carefully.

How closely repeated measurements of the same thing agree with one another. A precise tool gives similar readings when used again under the same conditions.

How close a measured value is to the true or accepted value. A measurement can be repeated consistently yet still be inaccurate if the tool is faulty.

A simplified representation used to explain or predict how something works. Models can be physical, drawn, or computer-based, and they have limits.

A claim supported by evidence and reasoning and open to critique by others. Scientists present arguments so findings can be examined and tested.

A set of connected parts that work together as a whole, such as a cell, an ecosystem, or a watershed. Changes in one part often affect other parts.

The ability to cause change or do work. It exists in forms such as motion, light, sound, heat, and stored chemical energy, and it can transfer between objects.

The energy an object has because of its motion. A faster or heavier moving object has more kinetic energy than a slower or lighter one.

Energy stored in an object because of its position or condition, such as a ball held above the ground or a stretched rubber band. It can be released as motion.

The movement of energy from one object or place to another, as when heat flows from a warm mug into cool hands. Energy is not created or destroyed in the process.

Energy that moves from a warmer object to a cooler one when they are in contact. The direction of flow always goes from higher to lower temperature.

A measure of how hot or cold something is, related to the average motion of its particles. It is measured with a thermometer in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit.

A push or pull that can change an object's motion, direction, or shape. Forces are described by their strength and direction.

A change in an object's position over time compared with a reference point. Motion is described by speed and direction.

A force that resists motion when two surfaces rub against each other. It can slow objects down and produce heat.

A force of attraction between objects that have mass. On Earth it pulls objects toward the planet's center and keeps planets in orbit around the Sun.

How fast an object moves, found by dividing distance traveled by time taken. It is reported in units such as meters per second.

The amount of matter in an object, measured in grams or kilograms. Mass stays the same regardless of location, unlike weight.

Anything that has mass and takes up space. Matter exists as solids, liquids, and gases and is made of particles too small to see directly.

A very small piece of matter, such as an atom or molecule. The arrangement and motion of particles help explain properties of solids, liquids, and gases.

The process by which plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make sugar and release oxygen. It is the main way energy enters most food chains.

A model showing the path of energy from producers to consumers in an ecosystem. Arrows point in the direction that energy flows.

All the living organisms and nonliving parts of an environment interacting together. Energy and matter move among its parts.

A trait or behavior that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment. Adaptations develop over many generations through natural selection.

The process by which individuals with helpful traits tend to survive and reproduce more, so those traits become more common over generations.

A repeated or predictable arrangement, such as a cycle of seasons or a repeating shape in a crystal. Recognizing patterns helps scientists describe and predict events.