Matter & Its Properties
What kind of energy does the Sun give us?
Light and heat energy
The Sun gives off energy we can see (light) and feel (heat).
What is the name of the path Earth takes around the Sun?
Orbit
Earth’s orbit is the circle it travels around the Sun.
What 3 things plants need to make food?
Sunlight, water, air
Plants use these in photosynthesis to make food.
What do scientists use to observe very small things?
Microscope
A microscope helps you see tiny objects up close.
What state of matter has a definite shape and volume?
Solid
Solids do not change shape or size unless you break them or melt them.
What force pulls objects toward Earth?
Gravity
Gravity is what makes things fall and keeps us on the ground.
What causes the Moon to change shape in the sky?
Moon phases
We see different parts of the Moon depending on how sunlight hits it.
What body part helps you pump blood?
Heart
The heart is a muscle that sends blood around your body.
What is the first step in the scientific method?
Ask a question
Science begins with curiosity—a question to investigate.
What do we call something that cannot be broken down any further, like gold or oxygen?
Element
Elements are pure substances made of only one kind of atom.
When you rub your hands together, they get warm. What kind of energy is that?
Heat energy (from friction)
Rubbing causes friction, and friction creates heat.
What kind of rock is formed by lava cooling?
Igneous rock
When lava cools and hardens, it becomes igneous rock.
What is an inherited trait?
A trait passed from parents
Hair color or eye color are examples of inherited traits.
What is a hypothesis?
An educated guess
A hypothesis is a smart guess about what you think will happen.
What tool can you use to measure the mass of an object?
Balance scale
A balance scale helps you find out how heavy something is.
What simple machine is used to lift heavy objects with less force?
Pulley
A pulley helps lift things by spreading out the force needed.
What do we call all the living and nonliving things in an area?
Ecosystem
An ecosystem includes animals, plants, water, air, and soil.
What do we call something that changes in an experiment?
Variable
A variable is something you change or test in an experiment.
What is the difference between a mixture and a solution?
A solution is mixed evenly; a mixture is not.
In a solution, like salt water, the salt is spread out evenly. In a mixture, like a salad, you can see and separate the parts.
A pulley helps lift things by spreading out the force needed.
Chemical energy
Food gives our bodies energy through stored chemicals.
What do scientists do after an experiment to explain their results?
Draw a conclusion
After testing, scientists decide what the results mean.