Science Terminology Challenges

Study Notes

Science Terminology Challenges

Science vocabulary becomes increasingly difficult to understand and pronounce, especially as one studies scientific topics in greater detail.
This is because many scientific terms are rooted in different languages, such as Greek and Latin, which are used universally in science.

Greek and Latin in Science

Greek and Latin words are used in science terminology because many pioneering scientists and researchers were Greek, and Latin was an international language at the time of scientific discovery.
Examples of Greek and Latin in science vocabulary include apoptosis, biology, and centrifugal.

Dissecting Science Vocabulary

Many scientific terms are formed by using different word parts, such as roots, prefixes, and suffixes, which are typical of Greek or Latin origin.
The word "apoptosis" can be dissected to understand its meaning, with the prefix "apo-" translating to "separating" and the root "-ptosis" translating to "falling off".
The term "biology" means the study of life or living organisms, with the root word "bios" meaning "life" and the suffix "-ology" meaning "the study of".
The term "hydrocephalus" means a medical condition where fluid is found in the brain, with the prefix "hydro-" referring to water and the suffix "-cephalus" referring to the head.

Common Science Terms

Centrifugal means the tendency to move away from the center of an object or entity.
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants use sunlight and water to produce their own nutrients.
Hydrogenation is the addition of hydrogen in a chemical reaction.
Ornithology is the study of birds.
Hypothesis is an educated explanation for a certain phenomenon.
Ecology is the study of the ecosystem or environment.
Heterotroph is an organism that relies on external sources of nutrients.
Autotroph is an organism that makes its own nutrients via chemical processes.

Morphemes of Common Science Terms

Morphemes are parts of words that are broken down and cannot be broken down further.
The term "centrifugal" is rooted in Latin origin and comes from the term centrum, which means "center".
The suffix "-fugal" comes from "fugere" which means "to flee".
The term "biology" is a combination of the root word "bios" and the suffix "-ology", which means "the study of".

Word Parts

There are three main word parts: roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
Roots are the base words for new words.
Prefixes are found at the beginning of a word and change its meaning.
Suffixes are found at the end of a word and also change its meaning.

Science: Root, Prefixes, and Suffixes

The term "phagocytosis" consists of all word parts, including the prefix, root, and suffix, and is Greek in origin.
The root word "-cyt-" refers to a cell and the prefix "phago-" translates to "to eat".
The suffix "-osis" refers to an abnormal condition.

Unique Study Styles

There are three primary unique study styles: auditory or verbal, visual, and hands-on.
Auditory or verbal learners learn best via hearing new information.
Visual learners need to see something to help with understanding new concepts.
Hands-on learners need to learn by performing a task themselves or physically touching an object.
Some individuals learn best using a combination of these study styles.

Approaches to Learning

Approaches to learning and studying can be holistic or analytical.
Holistic learning tends to group new concepts or ideas with those that have already been learned.
Analytical learning divides concepts or material into small subsections.

Description

Science vocabulary can be difficult to understand due to its origins in multiple languages, including Greek and Latin. As scientific topics become more complex, brain neurons struggle to make new connections.