General and Applied Science: Intermediate Level

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Learning Outcomes

The learner will be able to:

• Understand and gain an appreciation for the methods by which scientific knowledge is obtained and organized, so that the learner can apply these methods of problem solving to everyday life.
• Understand the fundamental concepts and terminology from the three primary branches of science: biology, chemistry, and physics. Some learners may also study other branches of science such as astronomy, earth science, or meteorology. The exposure to these subject areas should show the variation, diversity and similarities between all branches of science as well as illustrate the effects of science in the learner’s everyday life.
• Understand the methodology of a controlled experiment, and the necessity of performing experiments in order to acquire scientific knowledge.

The course is not limited to units in biology, chemistry and physics, but may be expanded to suit individual or local needs. No time allotments have been suggested, but it is assumed that the average completion time for Intermediate Science will be similar to that for the same level subjects in English and Mathematics.

Topic Outline

A. Introductory Science

This unit may be taught independently or incorporated throughout the remaining units.

• Define science and its limits
• Explain and use the scientific method
• Demonstrate the skills and techniques of science (ex: experimental design, use of tables, graphs and calculations)
• Use appropriate instruments to make measurements
• Solve problems using SI units
• Relate science and technology to our modern world
• Demonstrate and identify ethical conduct in all scientific and related activities

B. Biology

Describe the function and structure of the cell and cover 6 of the following biology subtopic outcomes from any of the 4 topics below:

• The Cell
  • Identify the parts of the microscope and demonstrate its use
  • Explain cell theory
  • Define cell division
  • Identify the structure and function of DNA and how it relates to heredity
  • Solve simple Mendelian genetic scenarios
• Human Nutrition
  • Identify energy and nutrients needed by the human body and plan a healthy diet
  • Identify special foods and diets and describe worldwide food needs
  • Explore the importance of microorganisms as it relates to human health and nutrition
• Human Biology
  • Identify the parts of the skeletal and muscular systems
  • Explain the function of blood and trace its circulation
  • Identify the parts and functions of the respiratory system
  • Describe the digestive system and the function of the digestive organs
  • Identify the parts of the nervous system
  • Identify and explain the structures and functions of the reproductive system
• Ecosystem science
  • Understand how interactions between organisms and their environments affect individuals, populations, communities, or ecosystems
  • Understand the processes and patterns of biological evolution
  • Explore Ethnobiology and Indigenous land use practices
  • Identify plant structure and function
  • Describe the nutrient cycle within a selected ecosystem

C. Chemistry

• Atomic Theory
  • Describe the different states of matter
  • Describe how matter is organized into elements, compounds and mixtures
  • Identify the subatomic components of atoms
  • Describe the organization of the periodic table
  • Use the periodic table to determine the properties of elements and their characteristics
  • Write the formula for a simple ionic compounds

D. Physics

• Define energy, power, work and force
• Describe the law of conservation of energy
• Differentiate between different forms of energy

Cover 4 of the following physics subtopic outcomes from any of the 4 topics below:

1. Machines
   • Apply the concept of work to simple machines to solve quantitative problems
   • Solve problems involving simple machines, levers, inclined planes, wedges, pulleys, wheels and axles
   • Solve problems involving other machines: gears, pulley systems, hydraulic systems
2.  Energy
   • Solve quantitative problems involving thermal energy
   • Solve quantitative problems involving electrical energy
   • Solve quantitative problems involving conservation of energy
3. Electrical Circuits
   • Choose and use appropriate instruments to measure voltage and current
   • Draw simple circuit diagrams and solve quantitative problems involving Ohm’s Law
   • Solve quantitative problems involving energy and work
   • Explain the use of switches, fuses, and other components of an electrical circuit
4. Motion in one dimension
   • Identify scalar and vector quantities and distinguish between distance and displacement
   • Interpret graphs of non-accelerated motion
   • Solve quantitative problems involving velocity
   • Solve quantitative problems work, energy and power

E. The fifth unit

May be chosen from the above or from other topics such as:

• Astronomy
• Chemistry expanded
  • Categorize compounds as ionic or covalent.
  • Write the formula and name for simple covalent compounds
  • Balance double replacement reactions
  • Recognize different types of chemical reactions

• Disease
• Medicine
• Earth science
• Environmental Science
• Meteorology
• Artificial intelligence
• Engineering
• Robotics

 

Lab Requirements

All Intermediate General Science courses must include experiment and/or field time of at least 10% of the total time or contents. Experiments and/or field exercises should be relevant to the selected units and emphasize those techniques and skills appropriate for this level of course. A minimum of 1 lab or activity from each of topics A, B, C, and D must be included.