SCIENCE 10-4
Unit A: Properties of Matter
Handling chemicals safely, whether at home or in the workplace, requires an understanding of the properties of pure substances and mixtures. Students actively investigate the properties of a variety of matter, including mixtures and solutions, and elements and compounds encountered in everyday life. The atom as the basic building block of matter is introduced. Students also investigate the classification of elements on the periodic table.
Unit B: Energy Transfer Technologies
Energy can be transferred by heat and by the use of force or distance multipliers called machines. The optimal design of such technologies is based upon an understanding of energy transfer, heat, temperature and force. Students understand that the design of energy transfer technologies takes into consideration the need for safety and for efficiency as a means of reducing reliance upon nonrenewable energy resources.
Unit C: Matter & Energy in Living Systems
Life processes require the exchange of matter between living systems and the external environment. Students investigate life processes at the organism and system level. In closely studying the digestive and circulatory systems, students understand that a healthy diet and lifestyle is crucial to their wellness.
Unit D: Matter & Energy in the Environment
Energy from the Sun sustains living systems and maintains equilibrium in the biosphere. In the biosphere, matter is recycled along natural pathways. Students learn, however, that increasing human population, human activity, use of energy and reliance on manufactured materials are having an impact on the movement of energy in the biosphere. This raises global concerns about sustainability.