Science Reviewer
1. The Scientific Method
Steps of the Scientific Method:
Observation - Gathering information through the senses.
Question - Asking questions based on observations.
Hypothesis - Proposing an explanation that can be tested.
Experiment - Testing the hypothesis through controlled experiments.
Analysis - Analyzing data collected from experiments.
Conclusion - Determining if the hypothesis was correct or not.
Theory/Model - Developing a broad explanation if the hypothesis is repeatedly supported.
Key Terms:
Variable: Any factor that can change in an experiment.
Control: A part of the experiment that does not change, used for comparison.
Dependent Variable: The variable being tested/measured.
Independent Variable: The variable that is changed or controlled in an experiment.
Sample Questions:
What is the purpose of a control in an experiment?
Define “hypothesis” and give an example.
2. Matter and Its Properties
States of Matter: Solid, Liquid, Gas, Plasma.
Solid: Definite shape and volume.
Liquid: Definite volume, takes the shape of its container.
Gas: No definite shape or volume, fills any container.
Plasma: Ionized gas, occurs at very high temperatures (e.g., in stars).
Physical vs. Chemical Properties:
Physical Properties: Characteristics observed without changing the identity of the substance
(e.g., color, melting point).
Chemical Properties: Characteristics that describe a substance's ability to change into a
different substance (e.g., flammability, reactivity).
Sample Questions:
What is the difference between a chemical and a physical change?
Give an example of a physical property and a chemical property.
3. Energy and Its Forms
Types of Energy:
Kinetic Energy: Energy of motion.
Potential Energy: Stored energy.
Thermal Energy: Energy related to the temperature of an object.
Chemical Energy: Stored in chemical bonds, released during chemical reactions.
Nuclear Energy: Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.
Law of Conservation of Energy: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from
one form to another.
Sample Questions:
What is kinetic energy, and how is it different from potential energy?
Explain the Law of Conservation of Energy with an example.
4. Cells and Life Processes
Basic Cell Structure:
Nucleus: Controls cell activities, contains DNA.
Cell Membrane: Protects the cell, controls what enters/exits.
Mitochondria: Powerhouse of the cell, produces energy.
Ribosomes: Makes proteins.
Cytoplasm: Gel-like fluid that holds organelles in place.
Photosynthesis (in plants):
Formula: 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + sunlight → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
Purpose: Converts sunlight into chemical energy (glucose).
Cellular Respiration (in both plants and animals):
Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂ → 6CO₂ + 6H₂O + energy (ATP)
Purpose: Breaks down glucose to release energy.
Sample Questions:
What is the primary function of the mitochondria?
Explain the process of photosynthesis and why it is essential for plants.
5. Ecosystems and Interdependence
Ecosystem: A community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a
system.
Biotic Factors: Living parts of an ecosystem (e.g., plants, animals).
Abiotic Factors: Non-living parts (e.g., water, sunlight, soil).
Food Chains and Food Webs:
Producers: Organisms that make their own food (plants).
Consumers: Organisms that eat other organisms.
Primary Consumers: Herbivores that eat producers.
Secondary/Tertiary Consumers: Carnivores or omnivores that eat other animals.
Symbiotic Relationships:
Mutualism: Both organisms benefit (e.g., bees and flowers).
Commensalism: One benefits, the other is unaffected (e.g., barnacles on a whale).
Parasitism: One benefits, the other is harmed (e.g., fleas on a dog).
Sample Questions:
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
Give an example of a mutualistic relationship.
Review Tips:
Use flashcards to memorize definitions and key terms.
Practice drawing diagrams (e.g., cell structure, food webs) to visualize information.
Test yourself with the sample questions to ensure you understand each concept.
Let me know if you’d like to add more topics, or if there’s a specific area in science you want to
focus on!
