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Integrated Lab Science Syllabus:
Unit 1: Introduction to Science
- Classroom Introduction/What is Science?
- Lab Safety
- Metric System
- The Scientific Method
- Graphing (Different types of graphs, construction of graphs and interpreting graphs)
- Motion & Speed
- Velocity and Acceleration
- Scientific Notation using Astronomical Distances
- Different Types of Distances Measured in Space (AU, LY, parsec)
- Measuring Distances in Space (Parallax)
Unit 2: The Universe and Its Stars
Part 1 - The Universe
- History of Astronomy/Galileo/Instrumentation (telescopes), Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Our Place in the Universe, The Size of the Universe (cosmic horizon)
- Galaxy Classification & Superclusters
- The Shape of the Universe, Cosmology (Inflation, Big Bang)
- Matter, Dark Matter, & Energy
- Evidence for the Big Bang (microwave background, red shift, composition of galaxies)
- Atoms (Hydrogen and Helium)
- Timeline of the Big Bang & Universe
Part 2 – Stars
- Composition of Stars
- Star Color, Temperature, Mass and Size of Stars
- Luminosity (Magnitude, Standard Candle)
- Our Star (The Sun) and Parts of the Sun
- Life of the Cycle of Stars (nuclear fusion)
- Supernova - Neutron Stars, White Dwarfs, Red Giants, Singularities
- Nucleosynthesis
Part 3 - Chemistry
- Atomic Theory
- Periodic table
- Electron Configuration
- Electronegativity predicting chemical reactions
Unit 3: The Solar System
Part 1 - Welcome to the Solar System
- Formation of the Solar System (Nebular Hypothesis; conservation of momentum), Protosun and Planetesimals, Planet formation
- Map of Solar System
Part 2 - Physics
- Heliocentric & Geocentric, Retrograde Motion
- Kepler’s Laws
- Forces, Types of Forces
- Gravity, Newton’s Apple
- Mass vs Weight
- Free Fall, Air Resistance
Part 3 - The Planets and Man in Space
- The Inner Planets: Mercury (peculiar terrain, solar wind stripped atmosphere), Venus (greenhouse effect, impact), Third rock from the sun, Mars (water)
- The Outer Planets: Jupiter (gravity assist), Saturn (ring), Uranus, Neptune (impact)
- Everything else: Dwarf planets, Pluto, Asteroids, Comets, Kuiper belt, Oort cloud, Meteorites
- Moon(s), Phases of the Moon, Tides, Lunar and Solar Eclipses
- History of Exploration of Space/ Space Missions/Satellites
- Newton’s 1st Law – Inertia
- Newton’s 2nd Law - F = M x A
- Newton’s 3rd Law - Action Equal and Opposite (F=-F)
- Errors in Space (Mars Lander - pros/cons of computers)
Unit 4: The History of Earth
- Welcome to Earth, Proto-Earth and Early History, (formation cold rocks to hot planet)
- The Geologic Time Scale
- Dating Earth (Relative Age Dating, Absolute Age Dating, Radioactive Decay)
- Forming Crust and Continents (Pangea and other continental forms)
- Forming the Atmosphere, Heat (current atmosphere created by life)
- Forming Oceans
- Types of Chemical Bonds (Ionic, Covalent, Hydrogen Bonds/Polarity)
- Properties of Water (Adhesion/Cohesion, Surface Tension, Heat Capacity, Water as the Universal Solvent)
- pH
- The Goldilocks Planet (Why is water so important for life?)
- The First Life Forms (Miller and Urey’s Experiment, Prokaryotic vs Eukaryotic, Brief History of Life on Earth)
- Chemical Reactions