Matter
What is the particle model of matter?
This model states that all matter is made of tiny particles that are constantly moving and have spaces between them.
What is the tilt of the Earth on its axis? What does it cause?
The tilt is 23.5 degrees. Earth experiences different seasons throughout the year primarily because of this geometric factor.
What are renewable resources?
This term describes energy resources like solar, wind, and geothermal that naturally replenish over a short period of time.
What is bias?
This is any personal thought, feeling, or expectation that can accidentally influence an investigation and reduce its objectivity.
What is weight?
This upward force is caused by gravity acting on a living thing or an object in a downward direction
Describe the particle movement in a solid.
In this specific state of matter, particles are close together and can only vibrate in place.
What are the Aurora Borealis? What causes it?
This is the specific name given to the spectacular natural light display known as the Northern Lights. It is caused by electrically charged particles from the Sun colliding with gases in Earth’s upper atmosphere.
What are fossil fuels?
Coal, oil, and natural gas belong to this category of non-renewable energy resources formed over millions of years.
What is the manipulated (or independent) variable?
This is the specific variable that a scientist intentionally changes in a controlled experiment to see what happens.
What are thrust and drag?
These two horizontal forces directly oppose each other when a bird or plane moves forward through the air.
What is volume?
This physical property describes the amount of space a solid, liquid, or gas takes up, often measured in milliliters or liters.
What is an equinox?
This specific mid-point seasonal event occurs twice a year when neither of Earth's hemispheres is tilted toward or away from the Sun, resulting in nearly equal hours of day and night across the planet.
What is geothermal energy?
This specific energy source relies on the heat generated from deep within the Earth.
What are controlled variables?
These are the factors in an experiment that must be kept exactly the same to ensure a fair test.
What is the bow and arrow? What primary forces of flight are used?
This traditional hunting technology utilizes stored energy to create thrust, demonstrating an early understanding of aerodynamic flight forces.
Describe the particles in a gas and compare its compressibility to liquids and solids.
Because there are large spaces between their particles, this state of matter has much higher compressibility than liquids or solids.
What is a solar eclipse?
This astronomical phenomenon occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth, temporarily blocking out sunlight.
What energy resources does Alberta rely on most?
Alberta utilizes a mix of fossil fuels and wind
What is the responding (or dependent) variable?
This is the variable that a scientist measures to see how it responds to the experimental changes.
What is the buoyant force?
An object will float in water if this upward fluid force is greater than the object's downward weight.
What is density?
The physical property that measures how tightly packed matter is within a given space.
If Liquid A is poured into a jar of Liquid B and sinks directly to the bottom, it means Liquid A possesses a higher amount of this property.
What is an example of the traditional use of astronomical cycles for calendars?
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities historically observed astronomical cycles to build these traditional tools for timing community ceremonies, hunting, and harvesting.
What is biomass energy?
This clean, renewable energy category includes organic materials like wood, agricultural crops, and organic waste used as fuel.
What is validity? What is reliability?
Validity refers to accuracy. It answers the question: Is the experiment actually measuring what it claims to measure?
Reliability refers to consistency. It answers the question: If I run this exact same experiment multiple times, will I get the same result every single time?
Explain how the four forces of flight affect a parachute jumper
While falling vertically, a parachute jumper experiences weight pulling them downward toward Earth, which is opposed by the upward force of drag (air resistance); once the parachute deploys, this upward force increases dramatically to slow the jumper's descent to a safe speed.