D671 WGU VOCABULARY 2025/26
Nature of Science Answer - the principles and characteristics that define
scientific inquiry, including its methods, processes, and the way scientists
conduct investigations to understand the natural world.
inquiry Answer - the process of asking questions, investigating, and seeking
answers through exploration and experimentation
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Answer - K-12 science education
standards that emphasize hands-on learning, inquiry, and the integration of
science and engineering practices
Disciplinary core ideas Answer - the fundamental concepts and principles that
science and engineering
science and engineering practices Answer - skills and behaviors scientists and
engineers use to investigate phenomena and solve problems
crosscutting concepts Answer - overarching ideas that connect different
domains and science and helps students understand the interconnectedness of
scientific knowledge
Geosphere Answer - refers to the solid part of Earth, it encompasses all the
rocks, minerals, and landforms of Earth's crust, as well as its inner layers like
the mantle and core
,Atmosphere Answer - the layer of gases surrounding Earth, held in place by
gravity, it is composed of several layers including the troposphere,
stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere
hydrosphere Answer - encompasses all the water found on, under, and above
Earth's surface, it includes oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, underground water,
and vapor in the atmosphere
Biosphere Answer - consists of all living organisms on Earth, including animals,
plants, fungi, and microorganisms
Weathering Answer - the process of breaking down rocks, soil, and minerals
through contact with Earth's atmosphere, water, and biological organisms; it
can be physical (mechanical), chemical, or biological
Erosion Answer - the process by which soil, rock, or other surface material is
worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind, water, or ice
Plate techtonics Answer - the theory that describes how Earth's outer shell is
divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, interacting at their
boundaries to produce earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain building, and
oceanic trench formation.
Water Cycle Answer - the continuous movement of water within Earth and its
atmosphere, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation,
and run off
Evaporation Answer - the process by which water changes from a liquid to a
vapor, typically from bodies of water, soil, or other moist surfaces
, Transpiration Answer - the process where plants absorb water through he
roots then release water vapor into the atmosphere from their leaves
Ground Water Answer - water located beneath Earth's surface in soil pore
spaces and in the fractures of rock formations
Condensation Answer - the process by which water vapor in the air is changed
into liquid water, often visible as droplets on cool surfaces or forming clouds in
the atmosphere
Precipitation Answer - the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere
condenses and falls into Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail
Surface Runoff Answer - the movement of water across the land surface,
either by flowing over soil or paved surfaces.
Cirrus Answer - high-altitude clouds characterized by thin, wispy strands, often
indicating fair weather but can also signal a change in the weather
Cumulus Answer - fluffy, white clouds with a flat base, typically indicating fair
weather, though they can develop into larger storm clouds
Stratus Answer - low altitude clouds that form a uniform gray layer, often
covering the entire sky, leading to overcast conditions and sometimes light
precipitation
nimbus Answer - clouds that are associated with precipitation, often appearing
dark and thick, indicating rain or snow
Nature of Science Answer - the principles and characteristics that define
scientific inquiry, including its methods, processes, and the way scientists
conduct investigations to understand the natural world.
inquiry Answer - the process of asking questions, investigating, and seeking
answers through exploration and experimentation
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Answer - K-12 science education
standards that emphasize hands-on learning, inquiry, and the integration of
science and engineering practices
Disciplinary core ideas Answer - the fundamental concepts and principles that
science and engineering
science and engineering practices Answer - skills and behaviors scientists and
engineers use to investigate phenomena and solve problems
crosscutting concepts Answer - overarching ideas that connect different
domains and science and helps students understand the interconnectedness of
scientific knowledge
Geosphere Answer - refers to the solid part of Earth, it encompasses all the
rocks, minerals, and landforms of Earth's crust, as well as its inner layers like
the mantle and core
,Atmosphere Answer - the layer of gases surrounding Earth, held in place by
gravity, it is composed of several layers including the troposphere,
stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere
hydrosphere Answer - encompasses all the water found on, under, and above
Earth's surface, it includes oceans, rivers, lakes, glaciers, underground water,
and vapor in the atmosphere
Biosphere Answer - consists of all living organisms on Earth, including animals,
plants, fungi, and microorganisms
Weathering Answer - the process of breaking down rocks, soil, and minerals
through contact with Earth's atmosphere, water, and biological organisms; it
can be physical (mechanical), chemical, or biological
Erosion Answer - the process by which soil, rock, or other surface material is
worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind, water, or ice
Plate techtonics Answer - the theory that describes how Earth's outer shell is
divided into several plates that glide over the mantle, interacting at their
boundaries to produce earthquakes, volcanic activity, mountain building, and
oceanic trench formation.
Water Cycle Answer - the continuous movement of water within Earth and its
atmosphere, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, precipitation,
and run off
Evaporation Answer - the process by which water changes from a liquid to a
vapor, typically from bodies of water, soil, or other moist surfaces
, Transpiration Answer - the process where plants absorb water through he
roots then release water vapor into the atmosphere from their leaves
Ground Water Answer - water located beneath Earth's surface in soil pore
spaces and in the fractures of rock formations
Condensation Answer - the process by which water vapor in the air is changed
into liquid water, often visible as droplets on cool surfaces or forming clouds in
the atmosphere
Precipitation Answer - the process by which water vapor in the atmosphere
condenses and falls into Earth's surface in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail
Surface Runoff Answer - the movement of water across the land surface,
either by flowing over soil or paved surfaces.
Cirrus Answer - high-altitude clouds characterized by thin, wispy strands, often
indicating fair weather but can also signal a change in the weather
Cumulus Answer - fluffy, white clouds with a flat base, typically indicating fair
weather, though they can develop into larger storm clouds
Stratus Answer - low altitude clouds that form a uniform gray layer, often
covering the entire sky, leading to overcast conditions and sometimes light
precipitation
nimbus Answer - clouds that are associated with precipitation, often appearing
dark and thick, indicating rain or snow
