First Semester Topics
Unit 1 Introduction to Laboratory Science
-
Lab Safety
-
Lab Equipment
-
Lab Techniques
-
Scientific Method
-
Graphing
-
How to write lab reports
Unit 2 Physics
-
Metric Units
-
Metric Conversion
-
Newton's Laws
-
Force, Speed, Velocity, Mass, and Acceleration Calculations
-
Interpret speed/time and distance/time graphs.
Unit 3 Chemistry
-
Identify elements and their corresponding symbols
-
The Periodic Table
-
Parts of the Atom
-
Atomic Bonds: Covalent, Ionic, Hydrogen
-
Valence Electrons
-
Lewis Dot Structures
-
Mixtures
-
Isotopes
-
Density
-
Physical vs. Chemical Change
-
Balance Chemical Equations
Unit 4 Biology
-
Microscopes
-
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells
-
Cell Structures
-
Characteristics of Living Organisms
-
DNA vs. RNA
-
Organic Compounds and building blocks
-
Bacteria & Viruses - Infections and Antibiotics
Second Semester Topics
Unit 5 Astronomy & Energy
-
What is energy?
-
Different types of energy: Radiant, Electromagnetic, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical
-
Measure amplitude and frequency of waves
-
Solar System
-
Universal makeup
-
Model Rockets (Launch at end of school year)
--> Mini Unit: Alternative Energy
Unit 6 Changing Earth
-
Plate tectonics
-
Fossil Record
-
Radioactive Decay
-
Geological Time Scale
-
Rock cycle
--> Mini Unit: Geological Time Scale
Unit 7 Evolution
-
Evolution
-
Organization of Organisms
-
Food Webs
--> Mini Unit: Frog Dissection
Unit 8 Genetics
-
Genetics
-
Mitosis and Meiosis
-
Punnett Squares
-
Protein synthesis
--> Mini Unit: Water Quality
