Science 500 is a basic elementary course intended to expose students to the designs and patterns in the physical universe. This course expands on the Science 300 and Science 400 courses, providing a broad survey of the major areas of science. Some of the areas covered in Science 500 include the study of cells, plants and animals, ecology, energy, geology, properties of matter, and the natural cycles of life.
The curriculum seeks to develop the students' ability to understand and participate in scientific inquiry. The units contain experiments and projects to capitalize on the students' natural curiosity. The students will explore, observe, and manipulate everyday objects and materials in their environment. Students at this level should begin to understand interrelationships between organisms, recognize patterns in ecosystems, and become aware of the cellular dimensions of living systems. Collectively, this should help students develop and build on their subject-matter knowledge base.
Upon completion of the course, students should be able to do the following:
- Use their main senses for observation of the world around them.
- Demonstrate an understanding of cells and their structure, both plant and animal.
- Differentiate between plants, animals, fungi, protozoa, and algae.
- Explain interactions between different life forms.
- Discuss various energy transformations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of fossil types and the formation of fossils.
- Describe the layers of the earth, landforms, and sources of change.
- Understand natural cycles.