The crosscutting concept of energy and matter is foundational to the natural sciences. This course studies physical interactions of matter and changes in energy and the applications to living and non-living systems. The course develops an understanding of Newton’s Laws and applies them to interactions at the macro and atomic-molecular scales. Interactions between atoms/molecules as well as energy changes are used to explain carbon-transforming processes including photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and carbon-cycling in ecosystems. The course also considers how human activities affect Earth systems. This integrated course develops foundational ideas for future coursework in physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science.