Second only to air, water is an essential element for life on Earth. Journey with us as we explore this amazing substance! We will investigate the properties of water as it changes state in the water cycle powered by the sun and gravity. We will look at how water influences a region’s climate and examine its role in weather.
What determines a region’s climate? To answer this question, each student will choose a region to investigate. After observing phenomena, we will create models to explain why regions have a specific climate. We will also examine evidence to identify what is going on with Earth’s average annual global temperature as well as why climates are changing. What are possible problems that arise due to rising temperatures on Earth? We will explore possible solutions. Students will also collect weather data to identify patterns and conduct investigations to learn how weather develops in order to forecast future catastrophic events.
How does energy travel? What is the difference between the sounds we hear and the light we see? Students will experiment with waves and learn how waves are used in their favorite technological devices.
Finally, what do all living things have in common? CELLS! We will use microscopes to view cells and learn about the tiny little structures inside cells that work together to help the cell perform basic life processes. From there, we will learn about how living things reproduce and why some offspring are exact copies of their parent while other offspring share traits with their parents but are unique. Using models, we will show how genes are passed from parents to offspring and investigate what happens when mistakes—or mutations—occur. We will explore how scientists are using what they know about cells and heredity to try to combat some of the problems humans face as climates change and the population grows.
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