Interactions in the Environment
In the Interactions in the Environment Unit, students will learn about interactions within the environment and identify factors that affect the balance between different components of an ecosystem. They will also demonstrate an understanding of interactions between and among biotic and abiotic elements in the environment. Furthermore, they will assess the impacts of human activities and technologies on the environment and evaluate ways of controlling these impacts.
Form and Function
In the Form and Function Unit, students will learn to design and construct a variety of structures. They will investigate the relationship between the design and function of these structures and the forces that act on them. Students will also demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between structural forms and the forces that act on and within them. Additionally, they will analyze personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that need to be considered in designing and building structures and devices.
Pure Substances and Mixtures
In the Pure Substances and Mixtures Unit, students will investigate the properties and applications of pure substances and mixtures. They will demonstrate an understanding of the properties of pure substances and mixtures and describe these characteristics using the particle theory. Further, they will evaluate the social and environmental impacts of the use and disposal of pure substances and mixtures.
Heat in the Environment
In the Heat in the Environment Unit, students will study ways in which heat changes substances and describe how heat is transferred. They will demonstrate an understanding of heat as a form of energy that is associated with the movement of particles and is essential to many processes within the earth’s systems. In addition, they will also assess the costs and benefits of technologies that reduce heat loss or heat-related impacts on the environment.