Course Glossary
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARYUnless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Big History: Glossary”, OER Project, www.oerproject.com/1Unit 1Lesson 1.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceclaimtestingAn important analytical process for assessing the quality and truthfulness of claimsClaim testing helps you evaluate the claims or assertions that people make.collectivelearningThe ability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymbolic language makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.disciplineAn area of study or learningAstronomy and biology are scientific disciplines.thresholdsof increasing complexityMoments in the history of the Universe when specific ingredients under the right "Goldilocks Conditions" come together to create something new and more complexThis threshold of increasing complexity is about the development of life on Earth.scaleDegrees of magnification, or perspective, used to measure time, space, and sizeCosmology is the study of the Universe on its largest scales, including its origin.Lesson 1.2TermDefinitionExample SentencegeographyThestudy of Earth’s physical featuresTodetermine how the continents move, the student consulted geography texts.historyThe study of the past to the present and even into the futureEventsthat happen now or years from now will become part of history.scaleDegrees of magnification, or perspective, used to measure time, space, and sizeCosmology is the study of the Universe on its largest scales, including its origin.scaleswitchingTheskill of changing how "zoomed in" or "zoomed out" we are when we study somethingScaleswitching allows us to examine things that are very small like atoms and very large like stars to see how they fit together.Lesson 1.3TermDefinitionExample SentencehumanityAll humans on EarthBig History tells the story of the Universe, Earth, and humanity.collectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY2 originstoryAnarrative that explains how something came to beEveryreligion has its own originstory that explains the creation of the Universe.scaleDegrees of magnification, or perspective, used to measure time, space, and sizeCosmology is the study of the Universe on its largest scales, including its origin.UniverseAllmatter and space in existence, including the Earth and the heavensThe Milky Way is just one of numerous galaxies scattered about the Universe.Lesson 1.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceclaimAnassertion that something is trueHenry claims that he can make the best burger in town.claimtestingAn important analytical process for assessing the quality and truthfulness of claimsClaim testing helps you evaluate the claims or assertions that people make.disciplineAn area of study or learningAstronomy and biology are scientific disciplines.knowledgeAparticular or specialized form of understanding or skillOne of the best ways to increase your knowledge of a subject is to read about it.Unit 2Lesson 2.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceBig BangAtheory proposed in 1920 that the Universe started out extremely hot and dense and gradually cooled off as it expandedThe theory of the Big Bang is widely accepted among most of the scientific community. collectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.complexityThequality of being intricate and compoundedThe complexity of video games has increased over time from very simple games like Pong to more complex games like Mario Kart.EarthArocky planet that supports life; the third planet from the Sun in our Solar SystemEarth is home to numerous species of plant and animal life.elementAsubstance that that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processesSome of the more well-known elements are lead, zinc, hydrogen, and gold. Solar SystemTheSun and the objects that orbit it; the area in space in which the Sun’s gravitational pull is the dominant forceEarth is located in our Solar System, but there are billions of planetary systems in the Universe.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY3 starAnycelestial body other than the Moon, planets, or satellites that is visible from Earth as a point of light in the night skyMy neighbor has a telescope on his roof that he uses to look up at the stars on clear, dark nights. Lesson 2.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceBig BangAtheory proposed in 1920 that the Universe started out extremely hot and dense and gradually cooled off as it expandedThe theory of the Big Bang is widely accepted among most of the scientific community. causationTheact or process of causing (to make happen; creating or influencing)When learning about the fall of an empire, you want to focus on causation as well as long-term effects.complexityThequality of being intricate and compoundedThe complexity of video games has increased over time from very simple games like Pong to more complex games like Mario Kart.energyTheability to do work, associated with heat and lightThere are many forms of energy, including kinetic energy, potential energy, and chemical energy.geographyThestudy of Earth’s physical featuresTo determine how the continents move, the student consulted geography texts.matterThephysical material of the Universe, including subatomic particles, atoms, and the substances that are built out of themMatter makes up everything you know and will ever know. Lesson 2.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceatomAsmall unit of matter composed of protons, electrons, and usually neutronsEverything is made of atoms, including you and me.complexityThequality of being intricate and compoundedThe complexity of video games has increased over time from very simple games like Pong to more complex games like Mario Kart.elementAsubstance that that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processesSome of the more well-known elements are lead, zinc, hydrogen, and gold. gravityTheforce by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its centerGravity pulls together surrounding objects and gases to create planets.protonAstable particle with positive charge equal to the negative charge of an electronElements are often defined by the number of protons in their nucleus. starAnycelestial body other than the Moon, planets, or satellites that is My neighbor has a telescope on his roof that he uses to look up at the stars on clear, dark nights.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY4 visible from Earth as a point of light in the night skytemperatureThe degree of hotness or coldness of an objectIf your temperature is over 100 degrees, then you probably have a virus or infection.Lesson 2.4TermDefinitionExample SentencecausationTheact or process of causing (to make happen; creating or influencing)When learning about the fall of an empire, you want to focus on causation as well as long-term effects.complexityThequality of being intricate and compoundedThe complexity of video games has increased over time from very simple games like Pong to more complex games like Mario Kart.elementAsubstance that that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by ordinary chemical processesSome of the more well-known elements are lead, zinc, hydrogen, and gold. gravityTheforce by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its centerGravity pulls together surrounding objects and gases to create planets.nuclearfusionTheprocess of atoms combining in the core of a star, which releases a huge burst of energyScientists are working on replicating the nuclear fusion that happens in the core of a star on a smaller scale in order to generate carbon-free power.starAnycelestial body other than the Moon, planets, or satellites that is visible from Earth as a point of light in the night skyMy neighbor has a telescope on his roof that he uses to look up at the stars on clear, dark nights. supernovaAstar that explodes and becomes extremely luminous in the processThey noted the exact place in the sky where this supernova appeared.Lesson 2.5TermDefinitionExample SentenceaccretionTheformation of a celestial object by the effect of gravity pulling together surrounding objects and gasesThe Earth formed from the accretion of cosmic dust and rocks. chemistryThescience of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactionsMedical students are required to have an understanding of chemistry. gravityTheforce by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its centerGravity pulls together surrounding objects and gases to create planets.nuclearfusionTheprocess of atoms combining in the core of a star, which releases a huge burst of energyScientists are working on replicating the nuclear fusion that happens in the core of a star on a smaller scale in order to generate carbon-free power.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY5 planetAnycelestial body other than the Moon, planets, or satellites that is visible from Earth as a point of light in the night skyMy neighbor has a telescope on his roof that he uses to look up at the stars on clear, dark nights. Solar SystemTheSun and the objects that orbit it; the area in space in which the Sun’s gravitational pull is the dominant forceEarth is located in our Solar System, but there are billions of planetary systems in the Universe. supernovaAstar that explodes and becomes extremely luminous in the processThey noted the exact place in the sky where this supernova appeared.Lesson 2.6TermDefinitionExample SentencecollectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.continentaldriftTheidea that the Earth's continents move in relation to each other, so that continents currently separated by oceans were joined together in the pastThe theory of plate tectonics explains why continental drift occurs. EarthArocky planet that supports life; the third planet from the Sun in our Solar SystemEarth is home to numerous species of plant and animal life.geologyAscience that deals with the history of the Earth as recorded in rocksHer interest in fossils led her to study geology.gravityTheforce by which a planet or other body draws objects toward its centerGravity pulls together surrounding objects and gases to create planets.planetAnycelestial body other than the Moon, planets, or satellites that is visible from Earth as a point of light in the night skyMy neighbor has a telescope on his roof that he uses to look up at the stars on clear, dark nights. platetectonicsTheidea that the Earth's crust (together with the upper mantle) is broken up into separate plates that are in constant motion, explaining continental drift as well as the distribution of earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.Plate tectonics has been a central theory in modern Earth sciences (geology) since the 1960s. Unit 3 Lesson 3.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceDNAThedouble-stranded molecule, present in all living cells, that contains the genetic information You have DNA—the blueprint of life—from both your parents.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY6 used to form and maintain the cell and passes that information to offspring cellsenergyTheability to do work, associated with heat and lightThere are many forms of energy, including kinetic energy, potential energy, and chemical energy.lifeAnythingthat uses energy from the environment by eating or breathing or photosynthesizing, makes copies of itself, can adapt to its changing environment over many generations and can regulate internal conditions to maintain a stable stateThe first forms of life were most likely similar to bacteria. metabolismChemicalreactions inside a living organism that turn food into energyYour metabolism changes and generally slows down as you grow older.reproductionTheprocess by which living organisms produce young or copy themselvesReproduction is a critical biological process that allows our species to continue for generations.RNAThesingle-stranded molecule, present in all living cells, that is essential for converting proteins in living organismsRNA helps to deliver genetic information from DNA to the cells of a living organism.self-maintenanceHoworganisms regulate their systems to survive and function properlySelf-maintenance for humans can include things like sweating to deal with heat.Lesson 3.2TermDefinitionExample SentencebiomeLargegeographic regions defined by similar climate, plant, and animal lifeRainforest, tundra, freshwater, and coral reefs are types of biomes on Earth.biosphereTheentire network of life on Earth; the region of Earth in which living organisms can be foundLiving organisms live in the comfort zone of Earth that we call the biosphere.DNAThedouble-stranded molecule, present in all living cells, that contains the genetic information used to form and maintain the cell and passes that information to offspring cellsYou have DNA—the blueprint of life—from both your parents. ecosystemSmallerhabitats within biomes such as ponds and forestsBig jungles, oceans, or mountain ranges can be ecosystems.metabolismChemicalreactions inside a living organism that turn food into energyYour metabolism changes and generally slows down as you grow older.reproductionTheprocess by which living organisms produce young or copy themselvesReproduction is a critical biological process that allows our species to continue for generations.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY7 Lesson 3.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceadaptationTheprocess by which living organisms change from generation to generation to become better suited to their environmentAdaptation has helped bacteria become resistant to antibiotics over time.DNAThedouble-stranded molecule, present in all living cells, that contains the genetic information used to form and maintain the cell and passes that information to offspring cellsYou have DNA—the blueprint of life—from both your parents. evolutionTheprocess by which living organisms develop and change over timeThe evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been challenging for doctors and patients.geneAsegment of DNA that is the blueprint for how an organism will grow, look, and functionWe share a mix of genes from each of our parents.mutationChanges in the structure of a gene that take place in the copying of DNAThe mutation of finches beaks on the Galapagos Islands helped Darwin's research.RNAThesingle-stranded molecule, present in all living cells, that is essential for converting proteins in living organismsRNA helps to deliver genetic information from DNA to the cells of a living organism.speciesThe most specific category in biological classification; organisms can be of the same species if they can mate and produce fertile offspringWe know that species of plants and animals adapt to their environments.Lesson 3.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceasteroidSmallrocky, icy, and metallic celestial bodies left over from the formation of the Solar SystemScientists think that a giant asteroid crashing to Earth led to the extinction of the dinosaurs.biosphereTheentire network of life on Earth; the region of Earth in which living organisms can be foundLiving organisms live in the comfort zone of Earth that we call the biosphere.de-extinctionTheprocess of recreating organisms by using the DNA of extinct speciesScientists recently used extinct woolly mammoth DNA to create a new species called the woolly mouse.ecosystemSmallerhabitats within biomes such as ponds and forestsBig jungles, oceans, or mountain ranges can be ecosystems.extinctionTheact or process of becoming or making extinct, or of being ended or putting an end toThe extinction event that ended the dinosaurs’ reign on Earth was caused by an asteroid crashing to Earth.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY8 photosynthesisTheconversion of light energy to chemical energy, which is stored in sugars or other organic compounds, and is performed by plants, algae, and a few other organismsPhotosynthesis supplies most of the energy necessary for life within the biosphere and is the source of most of the atmosphere's oxygen.Unit 4 Lesson 4.1TermDefinitionExample SentencebipedalismTheability to walk on two rear legsBipedalism may have evolved in our ancestors because of a need to see above the tall grasses of open plains.collectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.evolutionTheprocess by which living organisms develop and change over timeThe evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been challenging for doctors and patients.foragingTheact of searching for food and suppliesIt is midday, and you have paused your foraging activities to rest in the forest.homininsAllbipedal species in the human line since it diverged from the common ancestor with chimpanzeesThe flamingos lived near the shallow lakes in East Africa at the time of the earliest hominins.symboliclanguageAform of communication that uses symbols to stand in for a greater meaningSymbolic language makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of accumulated information generation to generation.Lesson 4.2TermDefinitionExample SentencebipedalismTheability to walk on two rear legsBipedalism may have evolved in our ancestors because of a need to see above the tall grasses of open plains.collectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.evolutionTheprocess by which living organisms develop and change over timeThe evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been challenging for doctors and patients.homininsAllbipedal species in the human line since it diverged from the common ancestor with chimpanzeesThe flamingos lived near the shallow lakes in East Africa at the time of the earliest hominins.Homo sapiensThescientific name for human beings or for humankind in generalThe term Homo sapiens describes humanity as we know it today as well as
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY9 our ancestors from hundreds of thousands of years ago.symboliclanguageAform of communication that uses symbols to stand in for a greater meaningSymbolic language makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of accumulated information generation to generation.Lesson 4.3TermDefinitionExample SentencecollectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.innovationAnew method, approach, or ideaThanks to the innovation of the Wright brothers, we have aircraft that allow us to travel swiftly and safely today.petroglyphArock carving, especially a prehistoric oneThe Ancestral Pueblo created thousands of petroglyphs in the landscape of New Mexico.symboliclanguageAform of communication that uses symbols to stand in for a greater meaningSymbolic language makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of accumulated information generation to generation.toolAn instrument, such as a hammer, drill, or other hand-held device, used for doing workShe gathered the tools she needed to fix the plumbing. Lesson 4.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceclimateTheweather conditions in a place, averaged over several years or decadesAntarctica is known for both its cold climate and its penguins.collectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.Homo sapiensThescientific name for human beings or for humankind in generalThe term Homo sapiens describes humanity as we know it today as well as our ancestors from hundreds of thousands of years ago.migrationThemovement of people or animals from one country or region to anotherA few years ago, some people began to make maps of the migration routes of birds.symboliclanguageAform of communication that uses symbols to stand in for a greater meaningSymbolic language makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY10 accumulated information generation to generation.Lesson 4.5TermDefinitionExample SentenceclimateTheweather conditions in a place, averaged over several years or decadesAntarctica is known for both its cold climate and its penguins.collectivelearningTheability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymboliclanguage makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.extinctionTheact or process of becoming or making extinct, or of being ended or putting an end toThe extinction event that ended the dinosaurs’ reign on Earth was caused by an asteroid crashing to Earth.foragingTheact of searching for food and suppliesIt is midday, and you have paused your foraging activities to rest in the forest.Homo sapiensThescientific name for human beings or for humankind in generalThe term Homo sapiens describes humanity as we know it today as well as our ancestors from hundreds of thousands of years ago.migrationThemovement of people or animals from one country or region to anotherA few years ago, some people began to make maps of the migration routes of birds.Unit 5 Lesson 5.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceagricultureTheraising of crops and livestockWith improved methods of farming, agriculture flourished in the rural society.civilizationAcomplex society often with a system of government and laws, use of language, and the keeping of recordsFertile land and an abundant water supply were what made civilization possible in the region.environmentThearea in which something exists or livesThe physical environment can have a great effect on the way people live.farmingDomestication of plants and animalsThe development of farming led to an increase in food supplies.foragingTheact of searching for food and suppliesIt is midday, and you have paused your foraging activities to rest in the forest.societyAcommunity or group of people who live in the same region and are linked with each other by such things as laws and customsEvery society considers some behaviors acceptable and others unacceptable.Lesson 5.2
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY11 TermDefinitionExample SentenceagricultureTheraising of crops and livestockWith improved methods of farming, agriculture flourished in the rural society.cityAlarge human settlement that lives in a defined area, usually with permanent structuresMany people work in the city and commute to their homes in the suburbs.domesticationTheact of taming (an animal), especially in order to keep as a pet or to use on a farm or ranchThe farmer's domestication of sheep with soft wool was the result of breeding sheep with those traits.hierarchyAgroup of people graded according to their rank or level of authorityAn admiral ranks at the top of the naval hierarchy.pastoralistApersonwho herds animalsPastoralists often moved around with their animals in order to find areas to graze.societyAcommunity or group of people who live in the same region and are linked with each other by such things as laws and customsEvery society considers some behaviors acceptable and others unacceptable.surplusThe quantity that is more than what is needed or required; extra amount (especially in agriculture)The farmers had a surplus of winter wheat.Lesson 5.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceagrarianRelating to agriculture; rural; agriculturalIn agrarian societies, most people cultivate the land to supply food for their families and society.cultureThelanguage, customs, beliefs, and art of a particular group of peopleThe Catholic Church has played a large role in the development of French culture.hierarchyAgroup of people graded according to their rank or level of authorityAn admiral ranks at the top of the naval hierarchy.societyAcommunity or group of people who live in the same region and are linked with each other by such things as laws and customsEvery society considers some behaviors acceptable and others unacceptable.surplusThe quantity that is more than what is needed or required; extra amount (especially in agriculture)The farmers had a surplus of winter wheat.tradeThe act of buying and selling goodsThe new treaty will strongly affect trade between the two countries.Lesson 5.4TermDefinitionExample SentencebeliefsystemAset of principles which form the base of a philosophy or religionHer belief system combined elements of Hinduism and Buddhism.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY12 empireAsingle political unit, with one supreme ruler, composed of different nations or peoplesThe emperor expanded the Russian empire to the east.hierarchyAgroup of people graded according to their rank or level of authorityAn admiral ranks at the top of the naval hierarchy.militaryThe armed forcesDid your father serve in the military during the war?societyAcommunity or group of people who live in the same region and are linked with each other by such things as laws and customsEvery society considers some behaviors acceptable and others unacceptable.taxAsum of money levied by governments on income, property, or sales and used for its services and administrationThe English monarchy imposed many taxes on the American colonists for items such as sugar and stamps.tradeThe act of buying and selling goodsThe new treaty will strongly affect trade between the two countries.Lesson 5.5TermDefinitionExample SentencebeliefsystemAset of principles which form the base of a philosophy or religionHer belief system combined elements of Hinduism and Buddhism.cultureThelanguage, customs, beliefs, and art of a particular group of peopleThe Catholic Church has played a large role in the development of French culture.diseaseAsickness that makes the body or mind unwellMalaria is a disease spread by mosquitoes.empireAsingle political unit, with one supreme ruler, composed of different nations or peoplesThe emperor expanded the Russian empire to the east.militaryThe armed forcesDid your father serve in the military during the war?taxAsum of money levied by governments on income, property, or sales and used for its services and administrationThe English monarchy imposed many taxes on the American colonists for items such as sugar and stamps.tradeThe act of buying and selling goodsThe new treaty will strongly affect trade between the two countries.Lesson 5.6TermDefinitionExample SentenceartifactAny object made by human beingsThe museum had an exhibit of ancient Mexican artifacts.civilizationAcomplex society often with a system of government and laws, use of language, and the keeping of recordsFertile land and an abundant water supply were what made civilization possible in the region.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY13 cultureThelanguage, customs, beliefs, and art of a particular group of peopleThe Catholic Church has played a large role in the development of French culture.empireAsingle political unit, with one supreme ruler, composed of different nations or peoplesThe emperor expanded the Russian empire to the east.societyAcommunity or group of people who live in the same region and are linked with each other by such things as laws and customsEvery society considers some behaviors acceptable and others unacceptable.tradeThe act of buying and selling goodsThe new treaty will strongly affect trade between the two countries.Unit 6 Lesson 6.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceAnthropoceneAproposed new geological epoch during which our species has become the dominant force for change in the biosphereThe Anthropocene marks the end of the Holocene epoch, about the time of the Industrial Revolution, about 250 years ago.energyTheability to do work, associated with heat and lightThere are many forms of energy, including kinetic energy, potential energy, and chemical energy.fossilfuelAcarbon-based material such as coal, oil, or natural gas that can be used as an energy sourceFossil fuels were originally formed when the remains of living organisms were buried and broken down by intense heat and pressure over millions of years.globalizationTheprocess or idea of the world becoming more like that of a single nation with one shared economy and culture rather than separate, distinct countriesToday, we are living in an era of economic globalization.populationThegroup or number of inhabitants, human or otherwise, of a particular category in a placeTo feed the growing population of the world, food production must increase.worldzoneAlarge region of human interaction, linked by geography, culture, economy, and sometimes politicsThe barriers between world zones have practically disappear with colonization, mass trade, and more recently globalization.Lesson 6.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceColumbian ExchangeThetransfer of goods, people, ideas, and diseases between the Americas and Afro-Eurasia that began after 1492 CETomatoes and potatoes traveled from the Americas to Afro-Eurasia during the Columbian Exchange.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY14 biodiversityThevariety of life forms in a habitat, whether that habitat is a local environment or an entire planetClimate change threatens the current biodiversity that exists on our planet.cashcropAcrop grown for sale to others rather than for personal useDuring the 1800s, tobacco was the biggest cash crop in the United States.economyThesystem, within a particular country, or region, of handling wealth and resources, producing goods and services, and consuming goods and servicesThe American economy was particularly strong in the 1950s.transatlanticslave tradeThebuying and selling of enslaved human beings from Africa to the AmericasThe transatlantic slave trade led to the forced relocation of millions of Africans into new forms of slavery.worldzoneAlarge region of human interaction, linked by geography, culture, economy, and sometimes politicsThe barriers between world zones have practically disappear with colonization, mass trade, and more recently globalization.Lesson 6.3TermDefinitionExample SentencefactoryAbuilding or set of buildings where products are manufacturedI pass by the bread factory on my way to work every morning and it always smells delicious.fossilfuelAcarbon-based material such as coal, oil, or natural gas that can be used as an energy sourceFossil fuels were originally formed when the remains of living organisms were buried and broken down by intense heat and pressure over millions of years.industrializationTheintroduction of industry into a country or regionIndustrialization improved the country's economy.laborPhysical and mental effort in the performance of workClearing the land for farming required vast amounts of labor.reformThe improvement of wrong or bad conditionsPeople with a wide variety of occupations demanded labor reforms.suffrageThe right to vote in a political election Some states imposed obstacles to restrict the suffrage of African Americans.urbanizationThe growth of cities, usually due to the movement of people from rural areas to citiesAs people shifted to factory work, urbanization increased.Lesson 6.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceaccelerationTheact or process of increasing the speed or rate of somethingThe car's quick acceleration allowed her to pass the truck safely.climateTheweather conditions in a place, averaged over several years or decadesAntarctica is known for both its cold climate and its penguins.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY15 environmentThearea in which something exists or livesThe physical environment can have a great effect on the way people live.fossilfuelAcarbon-based material such as coal, oil, or natural gas that can be used as an energy sourceFossil fuels were originally formed when the remains of living organisms were buried and broken down by intense heat and pressure over millions of years.nuclearOf,pertaining to, or using atomic nucleiNuclear energy is generated by splitting atoms to create energy.populationThegroup or number of inhabitants, human or otherwise, of a particular category in a placeTo feed the growing population of the world, food production must increase.technologyThevarious inventions and means of solving problems that result from scientific research and discoveryThat country has vast natural resources but lacks the technology to exploit them.Lesson 6.5TermDefinitionExample SentenceclimateTheweather conditions in a place, averaged over several years or decadesAntarctica is known for both its cold climate and its penguins.environmentThearea in which something exists or livesThe physical environment can have a great effect on the way people live.globalizationTheprocess or idea of the world becoming more like that of a single nation with one shared economy and culture rather than separate, distinct countriesToday, we are living in an era of economic globalization.populationThegroup or number of inhabitants, human or otherwise, of a particular category in a placeTo feed the growing population of the world, food production must increase.technologyThevarious inventions and means of solving problems that result from scientific research and discoveryThat country has vast natural resources but lacks the technology to exploit them.Lesson 6.6TermDefinitionExample SentenceAnthropoceneAproposed new geological epoch during which our species has become the dominant force for change in the biosphereThe Anthropocene marks the end of the Holocene epoch, about the time of the Industrial Revolution, about 250 years ago.climateTheweather conditions in a place, averaged over several years or decadesAntarctica is known for both its cold climate and its penguins.environmentThearea in which something exists or livesThe physical environment can have a great effect on the way people live.globalizationTheprocess or idea of the world becoming more like that of a single Today, we are living in an era of economic globalization.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY16 nation with one shared economy and culture rather than separate, distinct countriespopulationThegroup or number of inhabitants, human or otherwise, of a particular category in a placeTo feed the growing population of the world, food production must increase.technologyThevarious inventions and means of solving problems that result from scientific research and discoveryThat country has vast natural resources but lacks the technology to exploit them.Unit 7 Lesson 7.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceAI (artificial intelligence)Human intelligence simulator or the ability of technology like computers to perform tasks normally completed by humansSome people are afraid of AI because they think it will take over the world.climatechangeChangesin the measures of the Earth’s climate over a long period of time including weather, precipitation, and temperature patternsRising global temperatures due to climate change are causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves.complexityThequality of being intricate and compoundedThe complexity of video games has increased over time from very simple games like Pong to more complex games like Mario Kart.futureThe time yet to comeIn the future, we may be able to live on other planets.technologyThevarious inventions and means of solving problems that result from scientific research and discoveryThat country has vast natural resources but lacks the technology to exploit them.Lesson 7.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceclimatechangeChangesin the measures of the Earth’s climate over a long period of time including weather, precipitation, and temperature patternsRising global temperatures due to climate change are causing more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and heatwaves.emissionTherelease of substances, such as gases, particles, or radiation, into the air, water, or soilThe countries with the highest CO₂ emissions per person are wealthy countries—like Canada and Australia—or oil-producers like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.fossilfuelAcarbon-based material such as coal, oil, or natural gas that can be used as an energy sourceFossil fuels were originally formed when the remains of living organisms were buried and broken down by intense
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY17 heat and pressure over millions of years.globalwarmingThe rise in global temperatures due mainly to the emission of greenhouse gasesGlobal warming will lead to sea-level rise, increased drought, and more tropical storms.greenhousegasGases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphereGreenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat from the Sun inside Earth’s atmosphere.HoloceneThegeological epoch that begins with the end of the last ice age, about 13,000 years ago, and ends at the start of the Anthropocene epoch, about 200 years agoThere have been no major ice ages during the Holocene.Lesson 7.3TermDefinitionExample SentencealienAbeing from a planet that is not Earth; extraterrestrialMovies often portray aliens as little green creatures from Mars.colonizeToestablish or form a colony on; settleThe British began to colonize Australia in the late eighteenth century.explorationTheact of traveling across distances for the purpose of discovery or investigationOur current exploration of Mars is conducted by rovers launched from Earth.magneticfieldAregion of space in which a magnetic force occurs, especially as a result of electrical current or the motions of charged particles such as electronsScientists think that sunspots are caused by strong magnetic fields below the surface of the Sun.radiationTheemission of particles or waves of energy, as by radioactive material or by electrical circuits or devicesMany people are concerned about toxic radiation from nuclear waste.terraformingTochange the form of a planet or other space object so that it resembles EarthPeople have proposed terraforming Mars to make it suitable for humans to live there.Lesson 7.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceAI (artificial intelligence)Human intelligence simulator or the ability of technology like computers to perform tasks normally completed by humansSome people are afraid of AI because they think it will take over the world.geoengineeringTheuse of large-scale technology to try to change or control the Earth's climateWe may be able to combat climate change through geoengineering.innovationAnew method, approach, or ideaThanks to the innovation of the Wright brothers, we have aircraft that allow us to travel swiftly and safely today.
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY18 quantumThesmallest possible amount of something such as matter or energyQuantum physics is the study of matter and energy at the subatomic level or of matter and energy smaller than atoms.sentientAble to feel, think, and be awareOne day, artificial intelligence might become truly sentient.technologyThevarious inventions and means of solving problems that result from scientific research and discoveryThat country has vast natural resources but lacks the technology to exploit them.Lesson 7.5TermDefinitionExample SentenceAnthropoceneAproposed new geological epoch during which our species has become the dominant force for change in the biosphereThe Anthropocene marks the end of the Holocene epoch, about the time of the Industrial Revolution, about 250 years ago.fossilfuelAcarbon-based material such as coal, oil, or natural gas that can be used as an energy sourceFossil fuels were originally formed when the remains of living organisms were buried and broken down by intense heat and pressure over millions of years.futuringTo imagine how things might work in the futureFuturing is about preparing for the many different possibilities that may come about from new technology or new methods for doing things.globalizationTheprocess or idea of the world becoming more like that of a single nation with one shared economy and culture rather than separate, distinct countriesToday, we are living in an era of economic globalization.populationThegroup or number of inhabitants, human or otherwise, of a particular category in a placeTo feed the growing population of the world, food production must increase.socialRelating to human society including how people form groups and interact with one anotherSocial characteristics of ancient empires included people having different jobs and being organized into hierarchies based on wealth or power.systemA group of interacting or interrelated elements that make up a wholeAn example of a human system is the interaction of people when they form communities.Lesson 7.6TermDefinitionExample SentencecollectivelearningThe ability to share, preserve, and build upon ideas over timeSymbolic language makes collective learning possible because it allows humans to share huge amounts of information across generations.complexityThequality of being intricate and compoundedThe complexity of video games has increased over time from very simple
OER PROJECT: BIG HISTORYGLOSSARY19 games like Pong to more complex games like Mario Kart.consciousBeing aware of your surroundings; making deliberate decisionsYour conscious thoughts are the ones that you know you're making, while your unconscious or subconscious thoughts happen when you're dreaming.entropyLacking order; a state of disorderYour bedroom is in a state of entropy as it gradually becomes messy after you've cleaned it.thresholdsof increasing complexityMoments in the history of the Universe when specific ingredients under the right "Goldilocks Conditions" come together to create something new and more complexThis threshold of increasing complexity is about the development of life on Earth.