Science - English

Describing Scientific Concepts and Theories

When discussing scientific concepts, use terms like hypothesis (an educated guess), theory (a well-supported explanation), and law (a statement based on repeated observations). For example, you might say, "The scientist formed a hypothesis based on her observation of plant growth." Concepts such as variable, dependent variable, and control are essential for designing fair experiments. Use "The dependent variable changes in response to the experiment," or "A control stays the same to ensure accurate results."

Results can be described as qualitative (descriptions) or quantitative (numbers). Say, "Our data included both qualitative and quantitative results." If something is precise, it means measurements or observations are exact. You can mention a procedure followed in the experiment, as in "We followed a strict procedure."

Describing the Scientific Method and Processes

The scientific method consists of steps: observe, form a hypothesis, experiment, analyze results, and draw a conclusion. You may say, "We plan to conduct an experiment to test our hypothesis." Other verbs include to analyze (look at results), to compare (look for similarities and differences), to measure (find values), and to process (work with data). For example, "They will analyze the samples," or "Researchers explore the effects of temperature."

Naming the Branches of Science

To talk about different scientific fields, simply use their names:

• astronomy (study of stars and planets)
• biology (study of living things)
• chemistry (study of substances and reactions)
• geology (study of the Earth)
• mathematics (study of numbers and patterns)
• physics (study of matter and energy)

For example: "He is interested in physics and astronomy."

Describing the Characteristics of Living Things

Living things have specific characteristics. An organism is made up of one or more cells, and contains organelles doing specialized jobs. Living things respond to a stimulus, adapt via adaptation, and maintain homeostasis. Metabolism and cellular respiration describe how organisms use energy. Scientific categories include species, genus, and taxonomy. For example, "An ecosystem includes many types of organisms that interact with each other." The process of change over time is called evolution, and living things go through development.

Describing States of Matter and Changes in Matter

Matter exists as a solid, liquid, gas, or plasma, each a different state of matter. Substances can change states: ice melts to become liquid, liquid boils to become gas, and gas condenses to become liquid. Evaporation is when liquid becomes gas naturally. A crystalline solid has a structured form. Describe a change: "Water changes from a liquid to a gas during boiling," or "A crystalline solid has a repeating pattern."

Describing Forces and Motion

Physics uses terms to talk about motion and forces. Force causes changes in movement, while friction or air resistance slows things down. Gravity pulls objects toward Earth. Use "The ball gains speed and acceleration rolling downhill." Inertia keeps objects at rest or in motion, described by Newton's first law of motion. Motion is measured by velocity (speed with direction), momentum, and position. For energy, "Raising an object gives it potential energy, while moving gives it kinetic energy." Use "The net force decides the object's motion," and understand centrifugal force and centripetal force in circular movement.

Describing Energy and Its Forms

Energy comes in many forms: chemical energy, mechanical energy, electrical energy, nuclear energy, light energy, sound energy, and thermal energy. Energy can move (energy transfer) and change form (energy transformation). For example, "A battery stores chemical energy and releases electrical energy." Conduction, convection, and radiation are ways heat moves. Use "The sun provides light and heat energy through radiation," or "A microwave uses electrical energy to produce thermal energy."