Hypothesis an explanation for an observation, or scientific problem that can be tested by further investigation. Once you do the experiment and find out if it supports the hypothesis, it becomes part of scientific theory.

Independent Variable A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types. The independent variable is the one that is changed by the scientist.

Dependent Variable A dependent variable is what you measure in the experiment and what is affected during the experiment. The dependent variable responds to the independent variable. It is called dependent because it "depends" on the independent variable.

Constant A quantity that is unknown but assumed to have a fixed (same) value. A factor that does not change.

Conclusion   The final process of the basic scientific method by which scientists reveal whether the hypothesis was proven correct. The conclusion is one statement, backed up by data analysis, that supports or refutes the hypothesis.

Rotation Rotation is when a planet or moon turns all the way around or spins on its axis one time.

Revolution The movement of one object around a center or another object. An example of revolution is movement of the earth around the Sun.

Orbit The curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon.

Cell Theory All organisms are composed of one or more cells The cell is the basic unit of structure All cells come from pre-existing cells

Organelle Any of a number of organized or specialized structures within a living cell.

Cell Wall A layer located outside the cell membrane, gives cell structural support.

Levels of Organization

Organ A part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function, such as the heart or liver in humans.

Cell Membrane The semipermeable membrane surrounding the cytoplasm of a cell.

Organ system A group of organs that work together to perform one or more functions

Organism An individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form.

Ribosome Protein particle whose main function is to serve as the site of protein synthesis.

Flagellum The primary role of the flagellum is locomotion.

Eukaryote An organism whose cells contain a nucleus surrounded by a membrane and whose DNA is bound together by proteins into chromosomes.

Prokaryote lack a distinct cell nucleus and their DNA is not organized into chromosomes.