Essential Questions

How do we know what we know?

How can we use what we learn to help make the world a better place?

What is matter and how does it behave?

What are the factors scientists use to classify matter and how is it classified?

How do minerals affect the average person in their everyday lives?

How can physical and chemical properties of matter be used to distinguish one form of matter from another?

How is matter throughout the universe conserved?

How does the particle nature of matter affect change from state to state?

How have scientists' understanding of the atom evolved ?

What is an atom and how is it organized?

How is the periodic table organized and how can it be used to identify an elements' characteristics?

How are elements, compounds and mixtures different and how can their characteristics be used to separate them?

Why is it important for geologists to study the Earth?

How and why is Earth’s surface changing?

What is Earth's history?

What are the forms of energy and how are they changed from one to another?

How does heat affect the motion of particles?

How does heat flow through matter?

What can we find in our universe and why do we care?

How is our universe organized and what are the properties and conditions of our solar system?

How does the Earth move through space?

How do the relative positions of Earth, moon, and sun cause moon phases, eclipses, and tides?

How does the uneven heating of the sun's energy result in seasons?

How has the historical and cultural background of a time set the stage for space exploration?

What should be the goals of our space program? How will those goals affect science, industry, foreign policy, environment, etc.?