SCIENCE 20
Unit A: Chemical Changes
Chemical reactions involve the gain or loss of energy. In this unit, students will develop an understanding of chemical change in the context of aqueous solutions and oxidation-reduction processes. Students will apply this knowledge to explain how useful materials are produced and how various industries rely on the application of chemical principles.
Unit B: Changes in Motion
Motion is an important aspect of our lives, and the understanding of the effects of force on motion has many technological applications. Students learn that these applications can range from the design of safer roads and sports equipment to the investigation of traffic accidents. In this unit, students investigate the concepts of displacement, velocity, acceleration, force, momentum and mechanical energy and consider the relationships among them.
Unit C: The Changing Earth
The history of our planet is one of change. There is evidence not only that Earth’s surface is changing but that this change has, in turn, dramatically impacted the climate and life forms on Earth over time. In this unit, students examine scientific evidence for natural and man-made causes of climate change, and investigate the consequences of climate change for life forms and for the Earth’s surface.
Unit D: Changes in Living Systems
Matter cycles and energy dissipates through the biosphere and its component ecosystems. The concept of an ecosystem is used to explain energy flow and nutrient recycling and to quantify large-scale and long-term processes. In this unit, students will study habitat destruction, ecological succession and changes to populations, focusing on the need to balance the interests of a growing human population with sustainable ecosystems.