A local stream study enhances student appreciation of Maryland ecology and current issues involving the environment with special emphasis on the Chesapeake Bay. Energy flow and nutrient cycles are studied. This unit contains an overview of the history of life on Earth and the forces that change organisms over time. Forces and Motion Students explore energy sources, energy transformations, work, power, simple machines, mechanical advantage, and Newton's Laws of Motion. To demonstrate proficiency with these concepts, students design, build, and demonstrate a Rube Goldberg type device according to specifications set by the teacher.
Students investigate robotics in a joint mini-unit between science and computer classes.
The study of motion is extended to celestial objects in this unit. Students investigate patterns such as lunar cycles, constellations, and tides and build various devices to measure time. Interdisciplinary connections are made with world studies and English units on ancient civilizations and Greek mythology. A firm foundation is provided in the nature of matter, subatomic structure, chemical formulae, chemical reactions, and chemical equations. Emphasis is placed upon the use of models and indirect evidence to understand microscopic phenomena.