Pure Applied Science

15 Science terms

The Pure and Applied Science program is centered on understanding the fundamental principles that govern the natural world and applying them to real-life situations. Throughout this program, students develop strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills by studying subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, and advanced mathematics. The following glossary contains fifteen key terms that are essential to understanding the core concepts and applications within the Pure and Applied Science program. These terms reflect both the theoretical foundations and the practical aspects of the field.

Analysis
Noun
The process of examining data to draw conclusions.
Example: Data analysis helped confirm the results.
fr: Analyse
 Analysis of Tropical Storm Kai-Tak.
Cell
Noun
The basic structural and functional unit of living organisms.
Example: The cell is the smallest unit of life.
fr: Cellule
 Structure of a typical animal cell.
Chemical Reaction
Noun
A process where substances change into new substances.
Example: The color change showed that a chemical reaction occurred.
fr: Réaction chimique
Chemical reaction showing the formation of TNBA from DTNB and TCh.
Conclusion
Noun
A final statement based on the results of an experiment.
Example: The conclusion supported the original hypothesis.
fr: Conclusion
Data
Noun
Facts, measurements, or information collected during an experiment.
Example: The data was recorded in a table.
fr: Donné
Comparison of temperature anomaly data as presented on
Density
Noun
The amount of mass in a given volume of a substance.
Example: Oil has a lower density than water.
fr: Densité
A graduated cylinder filled with various liquids to illustrate density.
Ecosystem
Noun
A community of living organisms interacting with their environment.
Example: A forest is a complex ecosystem.
fr: Écosystème
Ecosystem services provided by a vegetated coastal ecosystem.
Energy
Noun
The ability to do work or cause change.
Example: Plants need light energy to grow.
fr: Énergie
 Energy arc off of the central electrode in a plasma lamp.
Experiment
Noun
A scientific procedure carried out to test a hypothesis.
Example: The experiment was conducted in the laboratory.
fr: Expérience
Experiment with lens ball and light stick (white light against black background).
Force
Noun
A push or pull that can change an object’s motion.
Example: Gravity is a force that pulls objects toward Earth.
fr: Force
Force diagram on a pulley.
Hypothesis
Noun
A testable explanation or prediction based on observations.
Example: The student created a hypothesis before starting the experiment.
fr: Hypothèse
Exemple of hypothesis.
Matter
Noun
Anything that has mass and takes up space.
Example: Water is a form of matter.
fr: Matière
These two false-colour images compare the distribution of normal matter (red, left) with dark matter (blue, right) in the Universe.
Observation
Noun
Information gathered using the senses or measuring tools.
Example: Careful observation is important in scientific research.
fr: Observation
Observation of alligator.
Technology
Noun
The application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes.
Example: Medical technology has improved patient care.
fr: Technologie
Li Fu Lee at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's radio experiment station.
Variable
Noun
A factor that can change in an experiment.
Example: Temperature was the main variable in the investigation. Image: A chart showing independent and dependent variables
fr: Variable
 Nuisance variable (sex) on response variable (weight loss).