I. Living Systems
A. Characteristics of Life
1. group work to define life; test hypothesis
2. definition of basic terms
- lab on classification; kingdom, etc.
- field trip to Leesburg Smithsonian
B. Chemical foundation of Biology
1. atoms and molecules
2. hydrogen bonds and polarity
-lab: models of water molecules
C. Body organization
1. cells
-lab to make models of cell membranes
-Pasteur lab on spontaneous generation
2. use and care of microscope
-lab to observe living microorganisms
3. animal cell structures
-lab to make models of organelles
4. cell processes
a. osmosis
-lab using egg
b. diffusion
-carrot lab
D. Dissection
1. use and care of equipment; procedures
-dissect fetal pig (2 � week lab)
-create a detailed journal of dissection
with diagrams of process
E. Human Anatomy
1. digestive system
-lab on starch digestion with crackers and iodine
-lab on emulsification of fatty acids
-lab on protein digestion with HCl and pepsin
2. nutrition
-create "You are what you eat" collages
3. excretory system
-lab on kidney dialysis with tubing
4. nervous system senses: smell, vision,
-lab on optical illusions
-lab on vision
-lab to explore why we have two ears
E. Human development
1. health and safety
2. human growth and development,
(separate class by sex)
II. Science Fair
A. student proposals submitted mid-October
B. students work in media center with research cards
C. completed project backboard submitted in February; students present to class
III. Physical Science
A. Methods
1. Measurement
-lab on estimation techniques
2. graphing techniques
-lab on graphing
3. observation techniques
B. Matter
1. properties
2. mass vs. weight
3. density
-density lab with assorted objects
C. Waves and sound
1. transverse vs. compression waves
2. amplitude and frequency
-lab on velocity of waves; strings and Slinkies
D. Light
1. electromagnetic spectrum
-lab using diffraction grating boxes
2. color
-lab with light boxes and filters
3. bulbs
-lab to compare CFB to incandescent bulbs
4. properties of light
-lab to measure angle of reflection
5. mirrors and lenses
-lab to compare convex/concave lenses
III. Astronomy
A. Solar system history; theories
- Oral reports on planets and celestial bodies;
- all work done in class
Field Trips:
Leesburg Smithsonian, fossil exhibit
Walter Reed National Museum of Health and Medicine, brain awareness program