Description
General Science Course Overview
General science is an introductory science class for middle school students.
We will explore chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, physics, ecology, and the Scientific Method. Students will begin to practice experimental exploration through hands-on labs to gain a deeper understanding of the material. Students will learn how to record and analyze data, how to show the data with graphs, and how to create a lab report.
This class will give students an excellent foundation for future science classes.
Live Online Classes
The General Science class meets weekly for 90 minutes. The whole course is 30 weeks long over one year.
All classes are recorded. If a student does miss class, it is important to watch the class recording as soon as possible. It is important that students attend and participate in live class.
Students should save slides, take notes, ask questions, and participate in class discussions. The more actively that a student engages in class, the better he or she will understand the material.
Grade Levels
- 6-8
Discover General Science – A Hands-On Exploration for Middle Schoolers!
Prerequisites:
- None
Textbook / Curriculum
- Exploring Creation with General Science 3rd edition (2nd edition is not acceptable)
Hands-on Learning Activities
Students will complete 15-20 experiments and activities throughout the year to help them connect with the material. Some labs are completed together in class, and other labs are discussed in class and completed after class.
Course Outline
Fall Semester:
- History of Science, Lab Reports
- Famous Scientists, Lab Process
- The Scientific Method
- Experimental Variables, Collecting and Interpreting Data
- Experimental Design and Types of Graphs
- Science and Technology, Historical Records
- Evaluating Historical Records and Dating
- Archaeology, Geology, and Paleontology
- Astronomy: Sun and Planets
- The Moon and Space
- Earth and its Layers; Weathering and Erosion
- Geology and The Fossil Record
- Weather
- Semester Wrap-Up
- Matter and Elements
Spring Semester:
- Mixtures, Elements, and Bonding
- Physical and Chemical Changes, Acids and Bases
- Newton’s Laws
- Forces and Simple Machines
- Waves, Sound, and Light
- DNA
- Classifying Organisms
- Taxonomy
- Cells and Organelles
- Bacteria and Viruses
- Plant and Human Biology
- Marine Science
- Food Webs
- Symbiosis
- Semester Wrap-Up
Estimated Workload
- 1 – 2 hours per week
