STEM
Science
An organized way of using evidence to learn about the natural world
OR
The body of knowledge that Scientists have built up over years of using this process
Observation
Use of one or more of the senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) to gather information in an organized way.
Cell Theory
The theory that all living organisms are made up of units called cells, and that these units are the basis for structure and function of living things.
This theory developed from observations made with very early microscopes in the 16th-19th centuries.
Chemistry
The science that deals with the properties, composition, structure, and interactions of matter, and the energy changes that accompany these interactions.
Water
A colorless liquid
The universal solvent
The most polar molecule on the planet
Essential for life as we know it
Technology
The use of scientific knowledge to control physical objects and forces
OR
The science of the mechanical and industrial arts
Data
Evidence or information gathered from observations. Can be quantitative (dealing with numbers) or qualitative (dealing with descriptive qualities)
Homeostasis
The process by which organisms maintain a relatively stable internal environment.
Ex. body temperature and blood glucose level in humans
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants and some other organisms use light energy to convert water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and high-energy carbohydrates such as sugar and starches (chemical energy).
Electromagnetic spectrum
The range of wavelengths over which electromagnetic radiation extends.
From very high energy gamma rays, x-rays, UV rays, visible light, infrared, Microwaves to very low energy radio waves.
Engineering
The science, work, or profession of planning, building, or managing engines, machines, roads, mines, electrical systems, chemical plants, etc.
OR
The application of scientific knowledge to practical purposes
Hypothesis
A possible explanation for a set of observations or possible answer to a scientific question (an educated guess).
Takes the form of a formal, written statement
Must be able to be tested
Evolution
Change in a kind of organism over time
OR
The process by which modern organisms have descended and developed from ancient organisms
Cellular Respiration
The process in cells that releases energy (ATP) by breaking down glucose and other food molecules in the presence of oxygen.
Note - Not to be mistaken with the respiratory system (windpipe, trachea, lungs, diaphragm) .
Phytoplankton
Microscopic plants (algae) that float in a column of water
Mathematics
The science dealing with the measurement, properties, and relationships of quantities, as expressed in numbers or symbols. Mathematics includes arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, etc.
Experiment
A process or trial designed to test a scientific hypothesis, involving manipulated, controlled and observed variables (the data)
Biodiversity
Biological diversity; the sum total of the variety of organisms in the biosphere
The total number of different plant, animal, fungi, and bacterial species on the planet
Food chain
A series of steps in an ecosystem in which organisms transfer energy by eating and being eaten.
Food web - the network of complex interactions formed by the feeding relationships among the various organisms in an ecosystem
Zooplankton
Microscopic animals that float in a column of water
Art
Any form of human activity that is the product of and appeals primarily to the imagination, especially drawing, painting and sculpture, but also including architecture, music, and dancing.
Variation
varying (to make different) in condition, degree, quantity, appearance, performance, etc.
OR
The differences between individuals of a plant, animal, fugal, or bacterial species.
Energy
A measure of a system's ability to do work
Potential vs. Kinetic
6 types of energy used by humans: Light, Electric, Mechanical, Chemical, Heat, Nuclear
Glucose
A kind of sugar occurring in plant and animal tissues
Life
There are seven characteristics that organisms must have to be considered alive:
made of cells, reproduce, take in materials and energy, based on a genetic code, maintain constant internal conditions, grow and develop, change over time (evolve)