Word or phrase 

Description 

Abiotic 

Non-living parts of an environment, such as sunlight, water, air, and minerals. 

Absorption 

When light, sound, or other radiation enters a material and is not reflected or transmitted out of the material. 

Acceleration 

The rate of change of velocity of an object; measured in m/s². 

Active transport 

Movement of substances across a cell membrane from lower to higher concentration, using energy. 

Adaptation (change over time) 

The process by which an organism, system, or individual adjusts to changes in its environment or circumstances in order to survive, function effectively, or thrive. 

Adaptation (structure) 

A feature or behaviour that helps an organism survive in its environment. 

Amplitude 

The height of a wave from its middle point to its top or bottom. 

Area 

A measure of the amount of two-dimensional space a shape occupies. 

Asexual reproduction 

A process where one parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to itself. 

Asteroid 

A small rocky body that orbits a star, usually in a stable, elliptical path.  

Astronomical unit 

A unit of distance in space, equal to the average distance from Earth to the Sun. 

Atmosphere 

The layer of gases that surround a planet. 

Atom 

The smallest unit of an element that retains the properties of that element. 

Big Bang theory 

The scientific explanation that the universe began from an extremely hot and dense state and has been expanding ever since. 

Biodiversity 

The variety of organisms in an environment. 

Biosphere 

All the living things and their environments on Earth. 

Biotic 

The living components of an environment, including organisms and the biological processes they influence or are affected by. 

Body systems 

Groups of organs that work together to perform specific functions in living organisms (e.g. digestive, respiratory). 

Buoyancy (also: buoyant force) 

The upward force exerted by a fluid that supports the weight of an object, allowing it to float or rise. 

Carbon cycle 

The movement of carbon through Earth’s systems, including the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. 

Celestial body 

A naturally occurring object in space, such as a star, planet, moon, asteroid, or comet. 

Cell 

The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms. 

Cell wall 

The rigid outer layer found in plant cells that provides support and protection. 

Chemical indicator 

A substance that shows, by changing colour, whether something is acidic or basic. 

Chemical reaction (also: chemical change) 

A process in which reactants interact and are converted into products with different properties, resulting in the formation of new substances. 

Chemical symbol 

A letter or group of letters that stands for a chemical element, such as H for hydrogen. 

Chloroplast 

An organelle in plant cells that uses sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose through photosynthesis. 

Chromosome 

A thread-like structure made of DNA that carries genetic information. 

Circuit 

A closed path through which electricity flows. 

Classification 

Grouping items based on shared characteristics; in science, often used for organisms or materials. 

Climate change 

Long-term changes to Earth’s temperature and weather patterns. 

Combustion 

A chemical reaction where a substance reacts quickly with oxygen and gives off heat and light. 

Comet 

A small icy body that orbits a star in a highly elliptical path and develops a glowing tail when heated by the star’s radiation. 

Community 

A group of living things that live together and interact in the same place. 

Compound 

A substance formed when two or more elements are chemically bonded together. 

Concentration 

The amount of a substance in a certain volume of liquid or gas. 

Conduction 

The transfer of heat or electricity through a substance without movement of the substance itself. 

Conductor 

A material that allows electricity or heat to pass through it easily. 

Conservation 

The protection and careful management of natural environments and resources to prevent damage or loss. 

Consumer 

An organism that eats other living things for energy. 

Convection 

The transfer of heat by the movement of fluids (liquids or gases). 

Current (electricity) 

The flow of electric charge through a conductor, such as a wire. It is measured in amperes (A) and flows from a power source through a circuit. 

Data (scientific) 

Measurements or observations gathered during a scientific investigation, used to identify patterns, test ideas, or support conclusions. 

Decomposer 

An organism that breaks down dead plants and animals into simpler substances. 

Density 

The mass of a substance per unit volume; calculated as mass ÷ volume. 

Diffusion 

The passive movement of particles from an area of high concentration to low concentration. 

DNA 

A molecule made of two linked strands that twist into a shape called a double helix, which carries genetic information used to control the development and functioning of an organism. 

Drag 

A force that slows down an object moving through air or water. 

Ecosystem 

A community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. 

Elasticity 

The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or squashed. 

Electricity 

A form of energy resulting from the movement of charged particles. 

Electromagnetic waves 

Waves made of changing electric and magnetic fields that move through space. They include many types of radiation with different wavelengths. 

Element 

A pure substance consisting of only one type of atom. 

Empirical evidence 

Information gained through observation or experimentation, used to support scientific conclusions. 

Endocrine system 

A body system made up of glands and organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream of multicellular organisms. 

Endothermic 

A process or reaction that takes in heat from its surroundings. 

Energy 

The capacity to do work or cause change; exists in various forms, such as kinetic, thermal, and chemical. 

Energy efficiency 

The proportion of energy that is usefully transferred or transformed in a system. 

Energy flow diagram 

A diagram that shows how energy moves from one organism to another in a food chain or web. 

Evolution 

The process by which organisms change over time through inherited traits, leading to differences in form, function, or behaviour across generations. These changes can result in the development of new species. 

Exothermic 

A process or reaction that gives off heat to its surroundings. 

Fertilisation 

The joining of two reproductive cells to form a new cell that can grow into an organism. 

Food chain 

A model that shows feeding relationships between organisms and how nutrients stored in biomass become available to other organisms through consumption. 

Food web 

A network of connected food chains showing how energy and nutrients move through an ecosystem. 

Force 

A push or pull on an object resulting from its interaction with another object; measured in newtons (N). 

Fossil 

The preserved remains or traces of ancient organisms, often mineralised, found in layers of sedimentary rock. Traces include imprints, footprints, burrows, and other evidence of activity. 

Frequency 

The number of waves that pass a point in one second. 

Friction 

A force that opposes the relative movement of objects in contact. The type of surface changes how much friction there is between two objects. 

Galaxy 

A massive system of stars, planets, gas, and dust held together by gravity. Galaxies can contain billions of stars. 

Gamete 

A cell that carries genetic material and is used for reproduction. It joins with another reproductive cell to form a new organism. 

Gene 

A segment of DNA that codes for a specific protein or trait. 

Gravity 

A force that pulls objects towards each other, especially towards the Earth. 

Greenhouse gas 

A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. 

Habitat 

The environment in which an animal, plant, or other organism naturally lives and finds the resources it needs to live.  

Heat 

A form of energy transfer between systems due to a temperature difference, measured in joules. 

Heterogeneous mixture 

A mixture where the different parts can be seen and are not evenly spread out. 

Homeostasis 

The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal environment despite external changes. 

Homogeneous mixture 

A mixture where the parts are evenly spread and look the same throughout. 

Hormone 

A chemical messenger produced by glands that regulates body functions. 

Hydrosphere 

All the water on the Earth. 

Inertia 

The tendency of an object to resist changes in its motion. 

Insulator 

A material that does not let electricity or heat pass through it easily. 

Ion 

A particle with an electric charge, formed when an atom gains or loses electrons. 

Kaitiakitanga 

The Māori principle of guardianship that involves caring for the environment and protecting it for future generations. 

Life cycle 

The stages an organism goes through from birth to reproduction and death. 

Light year 

The distance that light travels in one year through space (9.4607 × 1012 km). 

Lithosphere 

The solid outer layer of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle. 

Longitudinal wave 

A wave where particles move parallel to the direction of wave travel. 

Magnet  

An object or material that produces a magnetic field, which can attract certain ‘magnetic’ materials. 

Magnetism 

A force that attracts or repels certain materials, often involving magnetic fields. 

Maramataka 

The Māori lunar calendar; used to guide daily life and activities. 

Mass 

The amount of matter in an object; measured in kilograms or grams. 

Mass number 

The total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus of an atom. 

Matariki 

A cluster of stars that signals the Māori New Year and is used to mark seasonal change, honour the past, and plan for the future. 

Matter 

Anything that has mass and occupies space; composed of atoms and molecules. 

Menstrual cycle 

A regular process in the human body (and other organisms) that prepares for pregnancy by releasing an egg and shedding the lining of the uterus if fertilisation does not happen. 

Microbiome 

The community of microorganisms living in and on an organism, often beneficial to health. 

Microhabitat 

A small, specific habitat within a larger ecosystem (e.g. under a rock or leaf litter). 

Mitochondria 

An organelle in a cell that carries out chemical reactions to convert glucose into a usable form of cellular energy. 

Mixture 

A combination of substances that are not chemically bonded and can be separated physically. 

Modelling 

Using or generating simplified representations (physical, mathematical, or conceptual) to explain or predict scientific phenomena. 

Moon 

A natural satellite that orbits a planet. 

Mutation 

A change in the genetic material of an organism that can be passed on to offspring. 

Natural selection 

The process where organisms with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. 

Negative feedback 

A process where a system responds to a change by returning to its original state. 

Nervous system 

A system made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that carry signals throughout the body. 

Neutralisation 

A chemical reaction where an acid and a base combine to form water and a salt. 

Newton’s laws 

Three rules that describe how objects move and respond to forces. 

Ngā tohu o te taiao 

Environmental indicators used by Māori. 

Non-contact force 

A force that acts between objects without them touching, such as gravity or magnetism. 

Nucleus 

A structure in a cell that contains the genetic material (DNA) used to control and regulate cell functions. 

Ohm’s Law 

A rule that links voltage, current, and resistance in an electrical circuit. 

Organelle 

A specialised structure within a cell that performs a specific function to support the cell’s life processes. 

Organism 

A living system with organised structures that work together to carry out life processes. 

Osmosis 

The diffusion of water across a semi-permeable membrane from high to low concentration. 

Parallel circuit 

An electrical pathway that branches so that the current divides and only part of it flows through any branch. 

Pathogen 

A microorganism that causes disease (e.g. bacteria, viruses). 

Peer review 

A process where scientific work is evaluated by other experts before publication to ensure accuracy and credibility. 

pH scale 

A scale that measures how acidic or basic a substance is. 

Phenomena 

Observable events or situations that can be explored using science. These may be everyday occurrences (real-world phenomena) or patterns in the natural world (scientific phenomena). 

Phenotype 

All the observable features of an organism, such as eye colour or height. 

Photosynthesis 

The process by which plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce food and oxygen. 

Physical change 

A change in the form or appearance of a substance that does not alter its chemical composition. 

Planet 

A large object that moves around a star. 

Precipitate 

A solid that forms and separates from a liquid during a chemical reaction. 

Precipitation reaction 

A chemical reaction where two solutions combine to form a solid that settles out. 

Pressure 

Force applied per unit area; measured in pascals (Pa). 

Producer 

A living thing that makes its own food, usually using sunlight. 

Product (chemical reaction) 

A new substance formed as a result of a chemical reaction between reactants. 

Protein 

A molecule made of long chains of amino acids that helps build and maintain the cells and tissues of organisms. It plays important roles in growth, repair, and body functions. 

Puanga 

A star that marks the Māori New Year in regions where Matariki is not visible. Used to observe seasonal changes and guide cultural practices. 

Radiation 

The emission of waves or particles from a source that transmit through space or a medium and transfer energy when they interact with matter. 

Reactant (chemical reaction) 

A starting substance in a chemical reaction that interacts and undergoes change to form a new substance. 

Reflection 

When light or sound changes its direction of travel after coming into contact with a surface. 

Reflex arc 

A pathway formed by neurons that enables rapid, automatic responses to stimuli. 

Refraction 

The bending of light or other waves when they pass from one material into another. 

Reproductive strategies 

Different ways organisms produce offspring to ensure survival of their species. These strategies can involve one parent or two and vary in timing, number of offspring, and level of care. 

Resistance 

A measure of how much a material opposes the flow of electric current; measured in ohms (Ω). 

Respiration 

The process by which cells break down sugar to release energy, producing carbon dioxide and water. 

Restoration 

The process of returning a modified or damaged environment to an original or more natural state. 

Selection pressure 

A factor in the environment that affects which traits are more likely to be passed on. 

Series circuit 

An electrical pathway where all components are connected one after another, forming a single loop. The electrical current has only one path to flow through.  

Sexual reproduction 

A process where two parents contribute genetic material to produce offspring with a mix of traits from both. 

Simple machines 

Devices that make work easier by changing the direction or magnitude of a force (e.g. levers, pulleys). 

Solar system 

A star and all the objects (celestial bodies) that orbit it.  

Solubility 

How much of a substance can dissolve in a liquid. 

Solute 

The substance that is dissolved in a solution. 

Solution 

A homogeneous mixture where one substance (solute) is dissolved in another (solvent). 

Solvent 

The liquid that dissolves another substance to make a solution. 

Species 

A group of organisms that share similar characteristics and can reproduce with one another to produce fertile offspring. 

Speed of light 

The rate at which light travels through space. 

Spheres of the Earth 

The four main parts of the Earth: atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. 

Star 

A massive ball of hot gases that emits light and other radiation. 

States of matter 

The physical forms matter can take: solid, liquid, and gas. 

Static electricity 

A build-up of electric charge on the surface of an object, often caused by rubbing. 

Stimulus-response 

A process where a living thing detects a change and responds to it. 

Sustainability 

The ability to meet present needs without harming the environment or reducing resources for the future. 

Taxonomy 

The science of naming, describing, and classifying living things. 

Temperature 

A measure of how fast the particles in a substance are moving. It reflects the average kinetic energy of those particles. In science, temperature helps determine how heat moves between objects and is measured in degrees Celsius (°C), Kelvin (K), or Fahrenheit (°F) 

Thermal energy 

The internal energy of a system due to the kinetic energy of its particles. 

Transformation (energy) 

A process in which energy transfers associated with a system are described as changing from one form to another, without any loss in the total amount of energy. 

Transpiration 

The process where plants lose water through tiny holes in their leaves. 

Transport system 

A system that moves substances around the body of a plant or animal. 

Transverse wave 

A wave where particles move perpendicular to the direction of wave travel. 

Universe 

Everything that exists, including all space and time. 

Upthrust 

The upward force that acts on an object in a fluid, helping it to float. 

Vaccine 

A substance used to stimulate the immunity to a particular disease or pathogen, typically prepared with a harmless version of a pathogen. 

Vacuole 

A fluid-filled space in a cell that stores water, nutrients, and waste. 

Valence shell 

The outermost shell of electrons in an atom. 

Voltage 

The potential difference that drives electric current; measured in volts (V). 

Volume (matter) 

The amount of space an object occupies; measured in cubic units. 

Volume (sound) 

A measure of how loud or quiet a sound is, in decibels (dB). 

Wave 

A repeating disturbance that transfers energy through space or a medium. 

Wavelength 

The distance between two peaks of a wave. 

Work (general) 

The effort or activity directed towards achieving a goal. 

Work (physics) 

The transfer of energy that occurs when a force is applied to an object causing displacement over a distance; calculated as force × distance.