Science Study Guide

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1. Scientific Investigation
Science uses observations, questions, predictions, investigations, evidence, and explanations. A
fair test changes one independent variable while measuring a dependent variable and keeping
important control variables the same. Repeating measurements can improve reliability. Scientists
record results clearly so that other people can understand and evaluate the investigation.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
2. Matter and Particles
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space. Solids have a fixed shape and volume,
liquids have a fixed volume but take the shape of their container, and gases spread to fill
available space. Particle movement increases when temperature rises. Changes of state include
melting, freezing, evaporation, condensation, and boiling.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
3. Forces and Motion
A force is a push or pull that can change an object's motion. Forces can speed objects up, slow
them down, change their direction, or deform them. Gravity pulls masses toward one another.
Friction acts against relative motion between surfaces. Balanced forces produce no change in
motion, while unbalanced forces cause acceleration.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
4. Energy
Energy can be transferred from one object or system to another. Common forms include kinetic,
gravitational potential, thermal, chemical, electrical, light, and sound energy. Energy is not simply
destroyed; it is transferred or transformed. In real systems, some energy is often transferred to
the surroundings as thermal energy.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
5. Cells and Living Things
Cells are the basic structural units of living organisms. Plant and animal cells share structures
such as cell membranes, cytoplasm, and genetic material, while plant cells also have structures
including cell walls and chloroplasts. Cells work together to form tissues, organs, and organ
systems in multicellular organisms.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
6. Human Body Systems
The human body contains interacting organ systems. The digestive system breaks food into
substances that can be absorbed. The respiratory system exchanges gases. The circulatory
system transports oxygen, nutrients, and waste materials. The nervous system coordinates
responses to information from the environment.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
7. Ecosystems
An ecosystem includes living organisms and the non-living conditions around them. Producers
make food, usually using energy from sunlight. Consumers obtain energy by eating other
organisms. Decomposers break down dead material and return nutrients to the environment.
Food chains and food webs show feeding relationships.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
8. Earth and Space
Earth is part of the Solar System, which contains the Sun, planets, moons, and smaller objects.
Earth rotates on its axis, producing day and night, and revolves around the Sun. The Moon orbits
Earth. Gravity plays an important role in the motion of planets and other objects in space.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
9. Chemical Reactions
A chemical reaction forms new substances with different properties from the starting materials.
Evidence of a reaction can include a temperature change, gas production, colour change, or
formation of a solid. Chemical equations represent reactions using symbols and formulas.
Conservation of mass means atoms are rearranged rather than created or destroyed.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.
10. Science Review
Strong science answers use evidence and accurate vocabulary. When interpreting an
experiment, identify the variables, describe the pattern in the results, and connect the evidence to
the question. When explaining a process, present events in a logical order. Reviewing mistakes
and repeating difficult questions helps build scientific understanding.

Key review point: Summarise the main idea in your own words, identify one example, and think of
one question you could ask about this topic.