Course Description
This course brings together some of the most fascinating sciences—general, physical, earth, and life sciences—essential for investigating the world. After learning common measurement systems and the essentials of lab safety, students are ready to apply the scientific method to everyday situations such as a broken lamp or a hungry dog. Students learn about matter and energy, and about electromagnetic waves and the electromagnetic spectrum, focusing on the properties of visible light. Earth itself becomes the focus as students study the different geologic eras in Earth’s history, the parts of the planet, and phenomena including earthquakes and volcanoes. Delving into Earth’s past, students examine the fossil record and discover the clues it provides about the histories of numerous species and how they adapted to their environments. Students learn how species change over time through mutation and natural selection. Finally, students explore food webs, the roles of different organisms in an ecosystem, and the reasons that preserving Earth’s limited natural resources through conservation efforts are imperative.

Course Breakdown

Measurement
Metric system
Lab equipment
Lab safety
Scientific method
Scientific theory and scientific law
Matter
Elements and molecules
Phases of matter
Energy
Temperature and heat
Mass
Gravity
Newton’s laws
Waves
Visible light
Earth’s atmosphere
Weather
Rock cycle
Structure of Earth Geological dating
Plate tectonics
Formation of mountains
Volcanoes and earthquakes
Fossils
Taxonomy
Invertebrates
Fish
Amphibians and reptiles
Birds and mammals
Evolution
Primates
Genetics
Asexual and sexual reproduction
Trophic levels
Producers and consumers
Food chains and webs
Natural resources

Course Goals
Summarize the processes and applications of the scientific methods in a lab setting.
Classify the different categories of energy and matter.
Investigate Newton’s Laws of Motion and machines that allow work to be done using less force.
Describe how severe weather systems form.
Explain the basic principles of geology in terms of the rock cycle and the structure of Earth. Describe the changes that have affected Earth’s surface over its history.
Explain the process of fossil formation and describe the information gained from them.
Distinguish between the characteristics of invertebrates and vertebrates.
Summarize the basic principles and characteristics of evolution, including genetic adaptation.
Describe the impact humans can have on the health of the environment and ecosystem.