Middle School Science Courses
Comprehensive Science I
Description
Middle School Comprehensive Science I is the first in a series of three consecutive science classes. It introduces middle school students to the disciplines of life science, physical science, and earth-space science. In addition, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are integrated throughout the course. The lessons make real-world connections and require students to apply STEM skills like analysis, problem-solving, science knowledge, and engineering practices. Hands-on and laboratory investigations are included throughout the course to provide students opportunities for exploration through scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem-solving, and experimental procedures. By the end of the course, students will be practicing, experimenting, thinking, and talking like a scientist!
Pre-Requisites: None
Credits: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 28 – 32 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
SEGMENT 1
Module 01—Force and Energy
- Gravitational Law
- Types of Forces
- Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
- Speed and Motion
- Graphing Speed
- Energy Transfer
Module 02—The Earth
- Landforms
- Weathering and Erosion
- Shaping the Surface
- Spheres of Earth
- Heat Transfer
- Advanced Heat Transfer Through Earth
Module 03—The Atmosphere
- Energy and Temperature
- Weather and Climate
- Global Weather Patterns
- The Water Cycle and Its Effects
- The Atmosphere and You
- Advanced Predicting Severe Weather
SEGMENT 2
Module 04—Cells and Life
- Organization of Organisms
- Cells and the Structure of Life
- Cell Structure and Functions
- Advanced Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes
Module 05—Classifying Life
- Maintaining Balance
- Advanced Cell Cycle and Mitosis
- Classification
- Keys and Kingdoms
Module 06—Body Systems
- Nervous and Musculoskeletal
- Endocrine and Reproductive
- Digestive and Excretory
- Respiratory and Circulatory
- Infections and Health
Comprehensive Science II
Description
Middle School Comprehensive Science II is a comprehensive science including the disciplines of life science, physical science, and earth space science in addition to, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts. The course is designed for middle school students. The lessons provide real-world connections through the application of STEM problem solving, science knowledge and engineering practices. Laboratory investigations are included throughout the course and provide students opportunities for exploration through scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, and experimental procedures.
Pre-Requisites: Middle School Comprehensive Science I recommended
Credits: 1.0
Estimated Completion Time: 28-32 weeks
Major Topics and Concepts
SEGMENT 1
Module 01—Matter and Energy
- Balance Within Ecosystems
- Food Chains and Food Webs
- Classification
- Energy Forms and Energy Transfer
- Conservation of Energy
- Advanced Thermal Energy
- Scientific Models
Module 02—Interdependence of Life
- Biological Interactions
- Limiting Factors
- Theories and Laws
- Evolution-—Natural Selection
- Advanced Natural Selection— Inherited Variation, Competition, Differential Reproductive Success
Module 03—The Earth
- Geologic Age
- Relative Dating and Radioactive Dating
- Layers of the Earth
- Plate Tectonics
- Advanced Tectonic Plate Interactions
SEGMENT 2
Module 04—Patterns of Change
- Rock Types
- The Rock Cycle
- Advanced Landforms
- Convection Currents
- Geologic Events
- Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
- Human Impact on Earth, Air Quality, and Water Quality
Module 05—Energy Resources
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Properties of Light
- Phases of Matter
- Biodiversity
- Environmental Adaptations
Module 06—Heredity and Genetics
- Biotechnology
- Heredity
- Punnett Square
- Pedigree Chart
- Mitosis and Meiosis
Comprehensive Science III
Description
Prepare for high school science courses with this introduction of new topics and review of science basics. You will learn more about the nature of science, Earth and space science, properties of matter, changes in matter, matter and energy, and energy flow.
Major Topics and Concepts
SEGMENT 1
Module 01—Matter
- Examples and Nonexamples of science
- Pseudoscientific Ideas
- Steps of the Scientific Method
- Units of Measurements
- Weight Versus Mass
- Volume and Density
- Physical Properties of Matter
Module 02—Changes in Matter
- States of Matter
- Physical and Chemical Changes
- Conservation of Mass
- Thermal Energy and Chemical Change
- Scientific Models
Module 03—Elements and Compounds
- Atomic Theory
- The Periodic Table
- Valence Electrons
- Compounds
- Acids, Bases, and Salts
- Mixtures and Pure Substances
- Advanced Predicting Severe Weather
SEGMENT 2
Module 04—Cycles and Conservation
- Science and Society
- Photosynthesis
- Cellular Respiration
- The Carbon Cycle
- Scientific Modeling
Module 05—The Universe
- Space and the Universe
- Galaxies
- Stars
- Solar Properties
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Space Weather
- Space Technology
Module 06—Our Solar System
- Gravity
- Our Solar System
- Properties of Planets
- Seasons
- Tides
- Eclipses
- Moon Phases