Middle M/J Comprehensive Science 1

Segment One

Module One: Force and Energy

• Mass versus weight
• Law of universal gravitation
• Types of forces
• Impacts of forces on motion
• Distance vs. time graphs
• Law of conservation of energy
• Potential and kinetic energy

Module Two: The Earth

• Landforms on Earth's surface
• Impacts of weathering and erosion
• Interactions among Earth's spheres
• Thermal energy and heat transfer

Module Three: The Atmosphere

• Global weather patterns
• Differences between weather and climate
• Factors that affect air pressure
• Impacts of the water cycle on weather patterns
• Composition and structure of Earth's atmosphere
• The atmosphere's role in protecting life on Earth

Segment Two

Module Four: Cells and Life

• Hierarchical patterns in the organization of life
• The cell theory
• Functions of cell organelles
• Cell organelles in plant and animal cells
• Prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Module Five: Classifying Life

• Homeostasis at the cellular level
• Cell cycle and mitosis
• Domains and kingdoms
• Taxonomy
• Using taxonomic keys to classify organisms

Module Six: Body Systems

• General functions of the major human body systems (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, reproductive, excretory, immune, nervous, and musculoskeletal)
• Homeostasis in the human body
• The effect of infectious disease on body systems
• Environmental factors and personal health

Basic school supplies are required for this course. Additional materials may be needed for optional course activities. Students will have the option to create 2-D or 3-D models.

• Required Supplies for 2-D models: Presentation software such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, Minecraft, 3-D modeling/simulation program, or other art/drawing program
• Required Supplies for 3D models: Modeling clay, building blocks, food items, paper, cardboard, fabric, crafting supplies, crayons, markers, or other common household materials

Besides engaging students in challenging curriculum, the course guides students to reflect on their learning and evaluate their progress through a variety of assessments. Assessments can be in the form of practice lessons, multiple choice questions, writing assignments, projects, research papers, oral assessments, and discussions. This course will use the state-approved grading scale. Each course contains a mandatory final exam or culminating project that will be weighted at 20% of the student’s overall grade.***

***Proctored exams can be requested by FLVS at any time and for any reason in an effort to ensure academic integrity. When taking the exam to assess a student’s integrity, the exam must be passed with at least a 59.5% in order to earn credit for the course.