Making Science Words

Big Question: How are science words made?

- Recognize common Greek and Latin word parts used in science words.
- Create a unique word from Greek and Latin word parts and use it in a sentence.

Make Your Own Science Word

Each person will make-up their own science word from word parts on Scientific Root Word chart PDF . Requirements:

It cannot be a word found in any current dictionary.
Must have at least a prefix, a root, and a suffix. May have more word parts.
Must have the literal meaning of each word part.
Use the word in a meaningful sentence.
Make a full dictionary-like definition.
Put your name on the back.

Osteoporosis

prefix root suffix

Oste- por- -sis

'bone' 'space' condition

Two 'o's are connecting vowels there to make the word sound better.

Literally: the condition of having spaces in the bone.

Compare the literal definition to a dictionary or encyclopedia definition.

Using the Greek and Latin Word Parts Scientific Root Word chart PDF at biologyjunction.com, find the literal definition of the following words:

Astronomy, Cosmologist, Geomorphology, Pterodactyl (compare with bat of the order Chiroptera)
Anthropomorphic, Exothermic, Bathymetry, Brachiopod
Geochronologist, Paleoecology, Lithography, Mitochondria