Life Science
What do we call organisms in an ecosystem that depend on each other for energy and resources?
What are interdependent organisms? (or: an ecosystem/community)
What do we call a push or pull that acts on an object?
What is a force?
What is the primary source of energy that warms Earth's surface and atmosphere?
What is the Sun? (or: solar radiation/energy from the Sun)
What is the first step in the scientific method?
What is observation? (or: asking a question)
What is the smallest particle that makes up all matter in the universe?
What are atoms?
What is the process by which species change over time in response to their environment?
Evolution or Adaptation over Time
Give an example of a force that can act on an object without touching it.
What is gravity? (or: magnetic force/magnetism)
What causes the Moon to appear to change shape throughout the month?
What is the Moon's position relative to Earth and the Sun? (or: the angle at which we see the lit portion)
Scientists use these to represent complex systems and phenomena. What are they?
What are models?
Trace the path of energy in an ecosystem starting from the Sun.
What is: Sun → plants (producers) → animals (consumers)?
What is the name of the information passed from parents to offspring that determines traits?
What is genetic information? (or: DNA/genes)
According to Newton's laws, what is needed to change the motion of an object?
What is a net force?
What causes night and day on Earth?
What is Earth's rotation? (or: Earth spinning on its axis)
What type of information do scientists collect from investigations to support their explanations?
What is evidence?
What is the process by which matter cycles through an ecosystem (water, carbon, nitrogen)?
What is nutrient cycling? (or: the cycling of matter)
Name two examples of abiotic factors in an ecosystem.
What are (any two of): sunlight, water, temperature, air, soil, pH, etc.?
A ball sitting on a shelf has this type of energy. A rolling ball has this type. Name both.
What is potential energy and kinetic energy?
Why does the Northern Hemisphere experience winter when the South Pole is tilted toward the Sun?
What is the tilt of Earth's axis? (or: Earth's axial tilt causes uneven solar radiation)
When analyzing data, what is the difference between a causal relationship and a correlation?
What is: causation means one thing directly causes another; correlation means they happen together but one may not cause the other?
Name two ways human activities negatively impact ecosystems and competition for resources.
What are (any two of): pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction, overhunting, climate change, etc.?
When two organisms need the same food or resources, what is this struggle called?
When two organisms need the same food or resources, what is this struggle called?
In a closed system, what always remains constant even though energy can change forms?
What is the total amount of energy? (or: energy is conserved)
What astronomical event occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking sunlight?
What is a solar eclipse?
What is it called when a scientist uses data and observations to support a claim or conclusion?
What is constructing an argument from evidence? (or: making a claim backed by evidence)
Give an example of how humans use technology to convert potential energy into kinetic energy.
What are (examples): a battery powering a motor, a dam releasing water, a spring launching an object, etc.?