Cambridge International · Lower Secondary · CS1
Science Grade 6 — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 6 (CS1)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 6 (CS1)
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 6 (CS1)
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 6 (CS1)
Aligned to the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 6 framework for 2026. Most schools do not sit the optional Cambridge Checkpoint exam, but this is the vocabulary every student needs before starting Cambridge IGCSE.
Mark schemes: Cambridge Lower Secondary is assessed by teachers in class, not by a formal graded exam — the optional Checkpoint test gives a diagnostic score, not a grade. Using the correct scientific term (e.g. 'evaporation' not 'drying up') is the habit that IGCSE mark schemes reward later.
Active recall: 0 / 21 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Essential | Cell | The basic building block that all living things are made of. | |
| Biology | Core | Nucleus | The part of a cell that controls its activities and contains genetic material. | |
| Biology | Core | Organ | A group of tissues working together to do a specific job, e.g. the heart. | |
| Biology | Core | Producer | An organism, usually a plant, that makes its own food using sunlight. | |
| Biology | Core | Consumer | An organism that gets its energy by eating other organisms. | |
| Biology | Advanced | Food chain | A diagram showing the flow of energy from one organism to the next, e.g. grass → rabbit → fox. | |
| Chemistry | Essential | Solid | A state of matter with a fixed shape and volume. | |
| Chemistry | Essential | Liquid | A state of matter with a fixed volume but no fixed shape — it takes the shape of its container. | |
| Chemistry | Essential | Gas | A state of matter with no fixed shape or volume — it spreads to fill its container. | |
| Chemistry | Core | Particle | A tiny piece of matter, such as an atom or molecule, that all substances are made of. | |
| Chemistry | Core | Mixture | Two or more substances combined together without being chemically joined. | |
| Chemistry | Advanced | Evaporation | The process where a liquid changes into a gas, usually by heating. | |
| Physics | Essential | Force | A push or a pull on an object. | |
| Physics | Essential | Energy | The capacity to do work or cause change — it can be transferred but not created or destroyed. | |
| Physics | Core | Reflection | When light bounces off a surface. | |
| Physics | Core | Circuit | A complete path that an electric current can flow around. | |
| Physics | Advanced | Vibration | A rapid back-and-forth movement that causes sound. | |
| Earth and Space | Essential | Planet | A large body that orbits a star, like the Earth orbits the Sun. | |
| Earth and Space | Core | Orbit | The curved path an object takes as it moves around another object in space. | |
| Earth and Space | Core | Rotation | The spinning of an object, like the Earth, around its own axis. | |
| Earth and Space | Advanced | Water cycle | The continuous movement of water between the oceans, atmosphere and land. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
More definitions & key terms for Science Grade 6 topics
Every topic in the Tutopiya Learning Portal has its own keywords & definitions section, plus notes, quizzes and past papers.
More Science Grade 6 definitions & key terms →Science Grade 6 (CS1) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Science Grade 6 keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important science grade 6 terms with short, age-appropriate definitions aligned to Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 6 (CS1). It is designed to build the precise vocabulary students need before starting Cambridge IGCSE.
- Is Cambridge Lower Secondary formally examined?
- Science Grade 6 at Cambridge Lower Secondary is assessed by teachers in class, not by a formal graded exam. Most schools do not sit the optional Cambridge Checkpoint test — but the vocabulary here is exactly what students need before starting Cambridge IGCSE, where it is formally assessed.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which topics you have covered and your confidence — separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise key formulas and facts. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Science Grade 6.
- Can I download this Science Grade 6 keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Science Grade 6 list aligned to the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework?
- Topic groupings and wording follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 6 framework for 2026. Always confirm the exact scope with your school, since class-based assessment can vary in pace and depth.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Getting comfortable with precise subject vocabulary now — before Cambridge IGCSE introduces formal mark schemes — makes the transition easier. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact terms for Science Grade 6 at Lower Secondary, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.