Why This Class

All of the various fields of science are intertwined, and this semester students will get to study how forces and processes such as gravity and osmosis affect our bodies. They will see how our bodies are models of simple machines. They will also look into the future and make predictions about what our machines might look like years from now.

Through debates, projects, in-class discussions, and journal entries students gain confidence in their ability to understand the natural world. They will observe the moon and learn about why it stays in orbit. They will explore our cells and learn how they reproduce as well as the different types of reproduction. Students will study natural selection and analyze data to see the patterns of microevolution. Finally, students will learn about their own bodies and what makes them tick. They will learn about the symbiotic relationships within their own bodies as they compare and contrast the organisms that live in their bodies with their own cells. With the common thread of energy flowing through all these topics, students will walk away better able to identify ways they connect to the natural world, as well as connections between seen and unseen things.

Overarching Questions

How do gravity and inertia impact planetary orbits?

What are cells and how do we know they are living?

What are the differences between single-celled organisms and complex life?

How do simple machines help us?

Where do we see chemical and electrical energy being used in our transportation methods today?