Cambridge International · Lower Secondary · CS3
Science Grade 8 — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 8 (CS3)
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 8 (CS3)
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 8 (CS3)
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 8 (CS3)
Aligned to the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 8 framework for 2026 — the final year before Cambridge IGCSE. Most schools do not sit the optional Cambridge Checkpoint exam, but this is the vocabulary every student needs going into 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. Grade 8 terms like 'inheritance' and 'excretion' map directly onto IGCSE Biology topic vocabulary.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | Core | Xylem | Plant tissue that transports water and minerals from the roots up to the leaves. | |
| Biology | Core | Phloem | Plant tissue that transports sugars made by photosynthesis around the plant. | |
| Biology | Core | Excretion | The removal of waste products made by the body's own chemical reactions. | |
| Biology | Core | Gene | A section of DNA that carries the instructions for a particular characteristic. | |
| Biology | Core | Chromosome | A structure made of tightly coiled DNA that carries genes. | |
| Biology | Advanced | Inheritance | The passing of characteristics from parents to offspring through genes. | |
| Chemistry | Core | Solution | A mixture formed when a solute dissolves completely in a solvent. | |
| Chemistry | Core | Solute | The substance that dissolves in a solvent to form a solution. | |
| Chemistry | Core | Solvent | The liquid that a solute dissolves in to form a solution. | |
| Chemistry | Core | Acid | A substance with a pH below 7 that can react with alkalis to form a salt. | |
| Chemistry | Advanced | Neutralisation | A reaction between an acid and an alkali that produces a salt and water. | |
| Physics | Core | Kinetic energy | The energy an object has because it is moving. | |
| Physics | Core | Gravitational potential energy | The energy an object has because of its height above the ground. | |
| Physics | Core | Current | The flow of electric charge around a circuit, measured in amps. | |
| Physics | Core | Voltage | The energy transferred per unit of charge that pushes current around a circuit, measured in volts. | |
| Physics | Advanced | Refraction | The bending of light as it passes from one material into another. | |
| Earth and Space | Core | Crust | The thin, rocky outer layer of the Earth that we live on. | |
| Earth and Space | Core | Mantle | The thick layer of hot, slowly-moving rock beneath the Earth's crust. | |
| Earth and Space | Core | Core | The dense, metallic centre of the Earth. | |
| Earth and Space | Advanced | Climate change | A long-term shift in global weather patterns, largely driven by human activity increasing greenhouse gases. |
Pair this with our revision checklists, formula sheets hub and past paper finder.
More definitions & key terms for Science Grade 8 topics
Every topic in the Tutopiya Learning Portal has its own keywords & definitions section, plus notes, quizzes and past papers.
More Science Grade 8 definitions & key terms →Science Grade 8 (CS3) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Science Grade 8 keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important science grade 8 terms with short, age-appropriate definitions aligned to Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 8 (CS3). It is designed to build the precise vocabulary students need before starting Cambridge IGCSE.
- Is Cambridge Lower Secondary formally examined?
- Science Grade 8 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 8.
- Can I download this Science Grade 8 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 8 list aligned to the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework?
- Topic groupings and wording follow the Cambridge Lower Secondary Science Grade 8 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 8 at Lower Secondary, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.