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.

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

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.

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.

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.