Science Terminology

Science Terminology

• Science terminology can be difficult to understand due to the use of Greek and Latin words, making it challenging for brain neurons to make new connections.
• Scientific terms are often rooted in Greek and Latin languages, which are universally used in science.

Use of Greek and Latin in Science

• Many scientific terms are derived from Greek and Latin words, which were used by pioneering scientists and researchers.
• Latin was an international language during the time of scientific discovery in Europe and the western world.
• Greek and Latin have been preserved in scientific terminology until today.

Dissecting Science Vocabulary

• Scientific terms can be broken down into prefixes, roots, and suffixes, which are often Greek or Latin in origin.
• Example: The word "apoptosis" can be broken down into "apo-" (separating) and "-ptosis" (falling off), meaning cellular death.

Common Science Terms

• Centrifugal: the tendency to move away from the center of an object
• Biology: the study of life or living organisms
• Hydrocephalus: a medical condition where fluid is found in the brain
• Photosynthesis: the process by which plants use sunlight and water to produce their own nutrients
• Hydrogenation: the addition of hydrogen in a chemical reaction
• Ornithology: the study of birds
• Hypothesis: an educated explanation for a certain phenomenon
• Ecology: the study of the ecosystem or environment
• Heterotroph: an organism that relies on external sources of nutrients
• Autotroph: an organism that makes its own nutrients via chemical processes

Morphemes of Common Science Terms

• Centrifugal: comes from the Latin term "centrum" (center) and "fugere" (to flee)
• Biology: comes from the Greek root "bios" (life) and the suffix "-ology" (study of)
• Hydrocephalus: comes from the Greek prefix "hydro-" (water) and the suffix "-cephalus" (head)

Word Parts

• Roots: the base word without a suffix or prefix
• Prefixes: found at the beginning of a word
• Suffixes: found at the end of a word

Science: Root, Prefixes, and Suffixes

• The term "phagocytosis" consists of the prefix "phago-" (to eat), the root "-cyt-" (cell), and the suffix "-osis" (abnormal condition)

Unique Study Styles

• Auditory or Verbal: learns best through hearing new information
• Visual: learns best through seeing new information
• Hands-on: learns best through performing tasks or physically touching objects
• Holistic learning: groups new concepts with previously learned information
• Analytical learning: breaks down concepts into small subsections