Scientific Literacy & Reading in Science Flashcards

Build knowledge of strategies for reading, interpreting, and critically analyzing discipline-specific science texts and integrating information from multiple sources. (28 cards)

1
Q

Define:

Photosynthesis

A

The process by which green plants use sunlight to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water.

Photosynthesis involves chlorophyll and generates oxygen as a byproduct.

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2
Q

What is homeostasis?

A

The ability of an organism to maintain internal stability.

Homeostasis is crucial for the survival of organisms, allowing them to adapt to environmental changes.

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3
Q

Fill in the blank:

The basic unit of life is the ______.

A

cell

Cells are the smallest structural and functional units of an organism, typically microscopic.

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4
Q

Define:

Osmosis

A

The diffusion of water across a semipermeable membrane.

Osmosis is essential for maintaining cell turgor and nutrient absorption in plants.

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5
Q

What does ‘ecosystem’ mean?

A

A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.

Ecosystems can vary in size and include both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank:

The genetic material in most organisms is ______.

A

DNA

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) carries genetic instructions for the development, functioning, growth, and reproduction of all known organisms.

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7
Q

Define:

Mutation

A

A change in the DNA sequence of a gene.

Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful and are a source of genetic diversity.

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8
Q

What is ‘biodiversity’?

A

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Biodiversity is important for ecosystem resilience and provides resources for food, medicine, and other human needs.

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9
Q

Define:

Enzyme

A

A protein that accelerates chemical reactions in the body.

Enzymes are specific to substrates and play a critical role in metabolism and digestion.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank:

The process by which organisms break down glucose for energy in the absence of oxygen is called ______.

A

anaerobic respiration

Anaerobic respiration produces less energy than aerobic respiration and results in byproducts like lactic acid or ethanol.

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11
Q

What is the purpose of pre-reading strategies?

A

To activate prior knowledge and set a purpose for reading.

Pre-reading strategies help students connect new information to what they already know, enhancing comprehension and retention.

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12
Q

List three common pre-reading strategies.

A
  • Previewing the text
  • Predicting content
  • Setting a purpose

These strategies prepare students to engage with the text by generating interest and curiosity about the subject matter.

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13
Q

Fill in the blank:

______ is a during-reading strategy that involves stopping to check for understanding.

A

Monitoring comprehension

Monitoring comprehension allows readers to identify when they do not understand a passage and use strategies to improve understanding.

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14
Q

What is the role of questioning in during-reading strategies?

A

To engage the reader and encourage active thinking.

Asking questions helps readers focus on key ideas and clarify complex concepts as they read.

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15
Q

Fill in the blank:

A ______ is a post-reading strategy where students summarize the main ideas of a text.

A

summary

Summarizing helps consolidate understanding by distilling essential information and discarding less important details.

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16
Q

List two benefits of using graphic organizers during reading.

A
  • Visualizing relationships
  • Organizing information

Graphic organizers like concept maps and Venn diagrams help students structure information logically and see connections between ideas.

17
Q

What is the purpose of post-reading strategies?

A

To reinforce understanding and evaluate comprehension.

Post-reading strategies often involve reflection, discussion, and application of the text’s content to ensure deep understanding.

18
Q

Fill in the blank:

Making ______ involves connecting new information to personal experiences or other knowledge.

A

connections

Making connections helps students relate to the material on a personal level, increasing engagement and comprehension.

19
Q

Why is predicting an effective pre-reading strategy?

A

It sets expectations and engages curiosity.

Predicting encourages readers to think about what they might learn and prepares them to adjust their understanding as they read.

20
Q

Fill in the blank:

______ is a strategy where students adjust their reading speed based on the difficulty of the text.

A

Pacing

Pacing allows students to slow down for complex sections and speed up for familiar or easier parts, optimizing comprehension.

21
Q

What are the key factors to consider when assessing the credibility of a scientific source?

A
  • Author’s qualifications
  • Publication venue
  • Peer review status
  • Date of publication

Evaluating the credibility of a source involves checking the author’s credentials, the reputation of the journal or publisher, whether the work has been peer-reviewed, and if the information is up-to-date.

22
Q

Fill in the blank:

A _____\__ source is a direct account or original research in a scientific study.

A

primary

Primary sources include original research articles, theses, or direct reports of experiments and observations.

23
Q

How can bias be identified in scientific sources?

A
  • Examine funding sources
  • Look for language that lacks neutrality
  • Analyze the author’s affiliations

Bias can also be detected by checking if the study selectively presents data or if there’s a conflict of interest.

24
Q

What is the significance of peer review in scientific publishing?

A

Ensures quality and validity of research

Peer review involves evaluation by experts in the field to verify the research’s credibility, methodology, and conclusions.

25
# Fill in the blank: Claims in scientific articles should be supported by \_\_\_\_\_\__.
evidence ## Footnote Evidence includes data, results from experiments, or references to other credible studies that support the claims made.
26
List three **types of bias** that can affect scientific studies.
* Selection bias * Confirmation bias * Publication bias ## Footnote These biases can skew results by influencing which data are collected, how they are interpreted, or which studies are published.
27
What questions should be asked to **interpret claims** in scientific research?
* What is the claim? * What evidence supports it? * Are the methods sound? * Is the reasoning logical? ## Footnote These questions help in evaluating the strength and validity of the claims made in scientific research.
28
# Fill in the blank: Identifying \_\_\_\_\_\__ in scientific articles is crucial for evaluating their objectivity.
bias ## Footnote Bias can lead to misinterpretation of data and flawed conclusions, impacting the reliability of scientific findings.