Course Information

Over the course of the year, we will be discussing many interesting science concepts. Below are the four major strands that will be covered during the school year.

Evolution: Change Over Time

Describe the evidence for geological and biological evolution.
Explain what natural selection is and describe the role it plays in the evolution of life.
Discuss the ways geologic evolution has had an impact on the history of Earth.
Describe the different ways scientists measure and organize the geologic time scale and the evolution of life.
Why is understanding evolution important to understanding biology?

Chemistry

Discuss the nature of chemistry and tell why it is important.
How are elements classified by their physical and chemical properties?
How are these properties significant in determining the suitability of substances for technological design?
Compare and contrast physical and chemical changes, include the role that energy plays in these reactions.
Explain how the law of conservation of mass applies to chemical reactions and give some examples.
What are the risks and benefits of man-made chemicals on humans and on the environment?
How could you improve the conservation of nonrenewable and renewable resources?
What are the consequences of over use of natural resources?

Cellular Biology: Basis for Life

How does the food you eat and your activity levels effect the quality of life?
How does food provide energy for the growth and survival of organisms?
What is the correlation between cellular respiration and energy?
Discuss the essential chemical processes of the cell in both plants and animals.
How do I differentiate between infectious and noninfectious diseases and the vectors which cause them?
How can we control the spread of infectious disease vectors?
Explain both bacteria and viruses.

Hydrosphere

Describe the unique properties of water and tell why water has these properties.
How are all aquatic and terrestrial food webs dependent on water and the quality of that water?
Discuss all the various ways that a healthy hydrosphere can be maintained.
How is water distributed on Earth?
In what ways does water quality effect humans?