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Essential Science – Outline
I. The Nature of ScienceA. Scientific method
B. Lab safety
C. Law vs. theory
D. Measurement (English vs. Metric - SI)
II. Building MaterialsA. Properties of matter (physical/chemical)
B. Plastics, concrete, wood, metals, etc.
III. ChemicalsA. Classes of matter
1. Periodic Table
2. Bond types
B. Acids, bases, and salts
C. Chemical Reactions/Equations
D. Elecrolytes and Organic Compounds
E. Fertilizers, pesticides, and food additives
IV. WaterA. Properties of Water and Scarcity
B. Water treatment
C. Waste (sewage) treatment
V. Heat – Kinetic Theory
A. Phase changes (water)
1. Specific heat
2. Heat of fusion/vaporization
B. Effects on substances
1. Heat vs. temperature
2. Expansion/contraction
3. Fluids (density)
4. Cryogenics
C. Heat transfer
1. Conduction, convection, radiation
2. Terrestrial heating
3. Insulation
4. Thermography
VI. Energy Transfer
A. Types of Energy (general and specific)
B. Electromagnetic spectrum
C. Speed of light and sound
D. Conservation of Energy
VII. Motion and GravityA. Frame of reference
B. Speed and acceleration
C. Newton's Laws
D. Forces (gravity and friction)
VIII. Pressure
A. Calculating pressure
B. Effects of pressure
1. Solids
2. Fluids (water and air)
AS TIME PERMITS:
IX. The Atmosphere
A. Layers and cloud types
B. Weather
1. Jet stream/fronts
2. Models/predictions
C. Ocean effects
D. Climate change
E. Air pollution; acid rain
X. Natural Disasters
XI. Space Science
A. Effects of the sun and moon
B. Planets and other celestial bodies
C. Cosmic events (asteroids, meteors, comets)