Glossary: Terms Starting with M
71 definitions in Science with links to the lessons that teach each word.
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made by people
ScienceFrom Grade 1
made in a factory or workshop
Learn it in: Common materials (Grade 1)
magma
ScienceFrom Grade 4
molten rock under the ground
Learn it in: Rock formation introduction (Grade 4), Geosphere (Grade 5)
magnet
ScienceFrom Grade 1
an object that pulls some metals towards it
Learn it in: Metal (Grade 1), Magnetic forces (Grade 3), Magnets (Grade 6)
magnetic field
ScienceFrom Grade 6
the region where a magnet’s force acts
Learn it in: Magnetic fields introduction (Grade 6)
magnetic force
ScienceFrom Grade 3
the force a magnet exerts
Learn it in: Magnetic forces (Grade 3), Non-contact forces (Grade 5)
magnetosphere
ScienceFrom Grade 6
Earth’s magnetic field in space
Learn it in: Magnetic fields introduction (Grade 6)
mains
ScienceFrom Grade 4
the electricity supply from sockets
Learn it in: Electricity in everyday life (Grade 4)
mains electricity
ScienceFrom Grade 6
the high-voltage supply to buildings
Learn it in: Electrical safety (Grade 6)
mangrove
ScienceFrom Grade 5
a tree that grows in salty coastal mud
Learn it in: Plant adaptations (Grade 5)
marrow
ScienceFrom Grade 4
soft tissue inside bones that makes blood
Learn it in: Functions of bones (Grade 4)
mass
ScienceFrom Grade 3
how much matter something has
Learn it in: Matter (Grade 3), Gravity (Grade 3), Matter and mass (Grade 5)
mastery
ScienceFrom Grade 6
secure understanding that you can apply
Learn it in: Final Grade 6 mastery assessment (Grade 6)
material
ScienceFrom Grade 1
what an object is made of
Learn it in: What are materials (Grade 1), Solid materials (Grade 2), Transparent and opaque materials (Grade 2)
materials list
ScienceFrom Grade 6
a list of what is needed to build
Learn it in: Building prototypes (Grade 6)
matter
ScienceFrom Grade 2
anything that takes up space and has mass
Learn it in: What is matter? (Grade 2), Matter (Grade 3), Matter and mass (Grade 5)
mean
ScienceFrom Grade 6
the total divided by the number of values
Learn it in: Data analysis (Grade 6), Data interpretation (Grade 6)
measure
ScienceFrom Grade 2
to find how much, how long or how many
Learn it in: Asking investigable questions (Grade 2), Measuring using simple tools (Grade 2), Observation and measurement (Grade 3)
measuring jug
ScienceFrom Grade 3
a container with a scale for liquids
Learn it in: Scientific equipment (Grade 3)
mechanical advantage
ScienceFrom Grade 4
how much a machine multiplies our force
Learn it in: Mechanical advantage introduction (Grade 4)
medium
ScienceFrom Grade 4
a material that carries sound
Learn it in: Sound travelling through materials (Grade 4), Sound energy (Grade 5), Refraction introduction (Grade 6)
melting
ScienceFrom Grade 3
changing from solid to liquid
Learn it in: Melting and freezing (Grade 3), Melting (Grade 4), Changes of state (Grade 6)
melting point
ScienceFrom Grade 3
the temperature at which a solid melts
Learn it in: Melting and freezing (Grade 3), Melting (Grade 4)
metal
ScienceFrom Grade 1
a hard, shiny material from rocks
Learn it in: Metal (Grade 1), Conductors and insulators (Grade 4)
metamorphic
ScienceFrom Grade 3
rock changed by heat and pressure
Learn it in: Rocks (Grade 3), Rock formation introduction (Grade 4)
metamorphosis
ScienceFrom Grade 2
a big change in body shape
Learn it in: Butterfly life cycle (Grade 2), Amphibians (Grade 3)
method
ScienceFrom Grade 3
the steps of a test
Learn it in: Planning investigations (Grade 3), Planning investigations (Grade 4), Controlled investigations (Grade 5)
microhabitat
ScienceFrom Grade 2
a very small habitat such as under a log
Learn it in: What is a habitat? (Grade 2)
microorganism
ScienceFrom Grade 6
a living thing too small to see without a microscope
Learn it in: Microorganisms introduction (Grade 6)
microscope
ScienceFrom Grade 6
an instrument that magnifies small things
Learn it in: Microorganisms introduction (Grade 6), Introduction to cells (Grade 6)
midnight sun
ScienceFrom Grade 6
the Sun staying up all day near the poles in summer
Learn it in: Day and night (Grade 6)
migrate
ScienceFrom Grade 2
to travel to another place for food or weather
Learn it in: Animals in habitats (Grade 2), Animal adaptations (Grade 3), Environmental changes (Grade 3)
millimetre
ScienceFrom Grade 2
a small unit of length, written mm
Learn it in: Rainfall (Grade 2), Rainfall measurement (Grade 3)
mineral
ScienceFrom Grade 4
a natural substance such as calcium
Learn it in: Functions of bones (Grade 4), Rocks and minerals (Grade 4), Water and minerals (Grade 5)
mitigation
ScienceFrom Grade 6
reducing the causes of climate change
Learn it in: Climate change (Grade 6)
mitochondria
ScienceFrom Grade 6
parts that release energy from food
Learn it in: Animal cells (Grade 6)
mix
ScienceFrom Grade 2
to put together
Learn it in: Properties of liquids (Grade 2), Science in cooking (Grade 2)
mixture
ScienceFrom Grade 5
two or more substances mixed but not joined
Learn it in: Mixtures (Grade 5), Mixtures (Grade 6), Matter review (Grade 6)
model
ScienceFrom Grade 3
a small version used for testing
Learn it in: Building models (Grade 3), Models of Earth and Moon (Grade 4), Building and testing models (Grade 4)
molecule
ScienceFrom Grade 6
two or more atoms joined together
Learn it in: The particle model (Grade 6)
monsoon
ScienceFrom Grade 5
a seasonal wind that brings heavy rain
Learn it in: Precipitation (Grade 5), Climate patterns (Grade 6)
Moon
ScienceFrom Grade 1
the large round object that shines at night
Learn it in: Observing the sky (Grade 1), Outer planets (Grade 5)
move
ScienceFrom Grade 1
to go from one place to another
Learn it in: Animals as living organisms (Grade 1), What is movement (Grade 1)
movement
ScienceFrom Grade 1
changing place or position
Learn it in: What is movement (Grade 1), Movement (Grade 4)
mulch
ScienceFrom Grade 1
a layer of leaves or straw on soil
Learn it in: Caring for plants (Grade 1), Soil conservation (Grade 3)
muscle
ScienceFrom Grade 1
a part of the body that helps us move
Learn it in: Exercise and rest (Grade 1), Muscles (Grade 4), Muscular system (Grade 5)
mutualism
ScienceFrom Grade 6
a relationship where both benefit
Learn it in: Ecosystem relationships (Grade 6)