10 Questions
What is the meaning of the term 'apoptosis'?
The term 'apoptosis' refers to cellular death.
What does the term 'centrifugal' mean?
The term 'centrifugal' means the tendency to move away from the center of an object or entity.
What is the definition of the term 'phagocytosis'?
The term 'phagocytosis' refers to the destruction of microbes.
What are the three primary unique study styles?
The three primary unique study styles are auditory or verbal, visual, and hands-on.
What is an auditory or verbal learner?
An auditory or verbal learner is someone who learns best via hearing new information. They may prefer learning by listening to lectures or discussing new information out loud.
What is a visual learner?
A visual learner is someone who needs to see something to help with the understanding of a new concept. They may prefer looking at pictures or charts to understand new material or benefit from watching videos.
What is a hands-on learner?
A hands-on learner is someone who needs to learn by performing a task themselves or physically touching an object to gain an understanding of it. They typically benefit from laboratory components of classes and learning through movement.
Why do science vocabulary terms become increasingly difficult to understand?
Science vocabulary terms become increasingly difficult to understand because they are often rooted in different languages, such as Greek and Latin. These languages are used universally in science, and many scientific terms are formed using word parts with Greek or Latin origins. Additionally, the use of unfamiliar root, prefix, or suffixes in these languages can make scientific terminology challenging to comprehend without additional study.
Give an example of a scientific term rooted in Latin and its meaning.
An example of a scientific term rooted in Latin is the genus species epithet used to classify living organisms. For instance, the scientific name for the average house cat is Felis catus, and the bacteria that causes syphilis is known formally as 'Treponema pallidum'.
Why is the Greek language commonly used in scientific terminology?
The Greek language is commonly used in scientific terminology because many pioneering scientists and researchers were Greek. Their influence on scientific language and terminology has resulted in the widespread use of Greek words. For example, the Greek term 'gamma' is used to describe gamma rays in the fields of chemistry and physics, and the Greek term for the study of living organisms, 'biology', is widely used in the field of biology.
Study Notes
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
Test your knowledge of science terminology with this quiz! Discover why science vocabulary can be challenging to pronounce and comprehend, and learn tips for understanding and mastering scientific terms.
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