Science Term Definitions

Learn the definitions before diving deeper into a science fair project.

Below are a list of commonly used science terms and definitions:

Atom – smallest unit of an element

Cell – smallest living unit of matter

Charge – amount of electricity carried by matter, can be either positive or negative

Electron – a partial with a negative charged hat orbits around the nucleus of an atom

Element – a substance that cannot be broken down into any smaller substance – listed on the periodic table

Gas – state of matter with no shape or volume, e.g. air

Homeostasis – maintaining internal stability

Ion – an atom or molecule that has an electric charge

Liquid – state of mater with volume, but not definite shape, e.g. water

Matter – something that has mass and is either a solid, liquid or gas

Molecule – two or more elements that are chemically joined

Nucleus – the center part of an atom

Organism – any living thing

Proton – a positively charged particle located in the nucleus of an atom

Solid – a state of matter that has both definite shape and volume, e.g. ice

Substance – anything that has mass and occupies space

Velocity – the speed and direction of an objects motion

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