2024-2025 6th/7th Grade STAAR Vocabulary Review

Atom

• A fundamental particle that cannot be divided

• The basic unit of a chemical element, consisting of a nucleus (containing protons and neutrons) and electrons orbiting around it.

• A type of molecule formed by two or more atoms

• A large structure made up of many cells

Solstice

• The time of year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, marking the longest (summer solstice) and shortest (winter solstice) days of the year.

• A period of time when the Earth is closest to the Sun, resulting in warmer temperatures.

• The day when the Sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths.

• A seasonal change that occurs when the Earth tilts away from the Sun, leading to colder weather.

Multicellular

• Organisms made up of multiple cells that work together to perform complex functions, such as plants and animals.

• Single-celled organisms that can only perform basic functions.

• Organisms that are made up of only one type of cell.

• Organisms that can live independently without any cellular structure.

Tides

• The periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the Moon and the Sun on Earth’s oceans.

• A phenomenon where ocean currents are reversed due to seasonal changes.

• The daily changes in temperature and humidity in coastal areas.

• The movement of water caused by wind and atmospheric pressure.

Element

• A pure substance made of only one type of atom, represented by a one- or two-letter symbol on the periodic table (e.g., H for hydrogen, O for oxygen).

• A mixture of different types of atoms that can be separated by physical means.

• A compound formed by the chemical combination of two or more different elements.

• A solution that contains a solute dissolved in a solvent.

Cell Theory

• All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

• All cells are identical in structure and function.

• Cells can arise spontaneously from non-living matter.

• All cells contain a nucleus.

Convergent Boundaries

• Tectonic plate boundaries where plates diverge, leading to rift valleys and ocean basins.

• Tectonic plate boundaries where plates collide, leading to subduction or continental collision, resulting in mountain ranges and volcanic activity.

• Tectonic plate boundaries that slide past each other, causing earthquakes and fault lines.

• Tectonic plate boundaries that are stationary and do not interact with each other.

Ecosystem

• A community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment in a specific area.

• A group of similar organisms that can breed and produce fertile offspring.

• The process by which plants and animals adapt to their environment over time.

• A large geographical area characterized by specific climate and vegetation.

Habitat

• The environment in which an organism lives, providing the necessary conditions for its survival.

• A type of food that organisms consume for energy.

• A method of reproduction in animals.

• A geographical area with similar climate and vegetation.

Transform Boundaries

• Tectonic plate boundaries where plates slide past each other horizontally, causing friction and leading to earthquakes.

• Tectonic plate boundaries where plates move away from each other, creating new crust.

• Tectonic plate boundaries where plates collide, causing mountain formation.

• Tectonic plate boundaries that are stationary and do not cause any geological activity.