Glossary

Acceleration: The rate of change of the velocity of an object with respect to time.

Air resistance: A type of friction (i.e., a force that opposes motion) which occurs between air and an object.

Affordance: Intrinsic qualities which can help determine usability.  For example, ropes are good for binding and pulling but are not well suited to pushing.

Algorithm: A set of steps used to complete a specific task.

Biochemistry: The application of chemistry to the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level.

Branching: In algorithms and coding, branching is when a single branch is subdivided into two or more branches. Branching is used to make decisions and follow different paths of code based on conditions. Terminology for branching includes "if/else", "if/then", and even "yes/no".

Data: Information collected for reference or analysis.

Dichotomous key: A classification tool consisting of a series of questions or statements with two choices in each step.

Fair test: An experiment to answer a scientific question where one variable is changed, one variable is measured, and all others variables remain the same.

Force: A push, pull or twist upon an object resulting from interaction with another object. Forces only exist as a result of an interaction, although interactions can involve non-contact forces such as gravity.

Friction: A contact force resisting the motion of one object or medium against another.

Graph: A visual representation of data usually depicted on X and Y axes.

Gravity: A non-contact force of attraction between objects, particularly evident with celestial bodies.

Heliocentric model: An astronomical model in which the Earth and planets revolve around the Sun.

Machine: A device that transmits or modifies force and motion.

Pseudocode: An informal description of steps using natural language intended for human understanding rather than machine execution. It uses elements similar to coding but without adhering to the strict syntax rules of any specific programming language.

Research: “The creation of new knowledge and/or the use of existing knowledge to generate concepts, methodologies, inventions, and understandings that address timely and important gaps and issues” (Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation [CESE] & MH Consulting Group [MHC], 2024, p. 21).

Symmetry: Shapes and objects are symmetrical if they can be divided into two equal parts along a straight line.

Table: A grid of labelled rows and columns designed to record data.

Torque: A measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis.

Torque multiplier: A tool used to provide a mechanical advantage in applying torque.  For example, using low gears on a bicycle to ride up a hill makes it easier to pedal.

Velocity: The directional speed of an object.

Venn diagram: A visual classification tool using overlapping circles or other shapes to illustrate relationships between two or more sets of items.