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Fundamentals of Science: An Introduction to Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

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Lora Danley, M.S. - Chemistry, Physics, Science
Rising Star
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)
This is a 15 class introduction to the fundamentals of middle school science topics in physics, chemistry, and biology and comes with a 120 page course ebook as well as optional homework assignments and assessments.

Class experience

Intermediate Level
3 units//15 lessons//15 Weeks
Unit 1Physics
5 lessons5 Weeks
Physics
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Studies of Motion:Speed, Velocity, Acceleration
After introducing the topics and Galileo’s experimental determination of the Earth’s gravitational constant, we will look at calculations involving these quantities.
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Newton’s Universal Laws of Motion
We will explore how Newton’s Universal Laws of Motion apply to space travel as well as to the world around us, distinguish between mass and weight and discuss how mass and distance affect gravity.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Energy and the First Law of Thermodynamics
We will look at energy, work, and power and the differences between kinetic and potential energy. We will explore the First Law of Thermodynamics and methods of heat transfer.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
The Second Law of Thermodynamics and Electrical Circuits
We will explore the tenets of the Second Law of Thermodynamics and discuss entropy. We will then take a look at electricity and simple circuits along with Coulomb’s Law and Ohm’s Law.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Electromagnetic Waves
We will explore the relationship between electricity and magnetism. We will discuss electromagnetic waves and their interaction with matter.
Unit 2Chemistry
5 lessons5 Weeks
Chemistry
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Models of the Atom
We will discuss the history of the atom and the various models that led to our current understanding of the atom, the quantum mechanical model.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
The Periodic Table
We will talk about how elements are arranged on the periodic table according to their chemical properties, along with discussions of isotopes, valence electrons, atomic mass, and atomic number.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Chemical Bonding
We will look at how atoms combine with ionic bonding and covalent bonding. Students will understand how to draw basic Lewis dot structures and how to write basic formulas for ionic compounds.
 Week 9
Lesson 9
Chemical Reactions and States of Matter
We will learn how to balance chemical equations, examine the states of matter, and look at endothermic and exothermic reactions.
 Week 10
Lesson 10
Organic Chemistry
We will examine the functional groups of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, carboxylic acids, and esters. We will examine isomers, see how esters can be formed from alcohols and carboxylic acids, and look at distillation as a method of separating compounds by their boiling points.
Unit 3Biology
5 lessons5 Weeks
Biology
 Week 11
Lesson 11
The Cell
We will take a look at the construction of both plant and animal cells with respect to organelles and transport across the cell membrane and discuss photosynthesis and respiration.
 Week 12
Lesson 12
Proteins
We will explore how proteins are constructed and how they keep our bodies running by functioning as enzymes. We will also take a look at how drugs work to correct problems with enzyme function.
 Week 13
Lesson 13
DNA
We will discuss the function of DNA and take a look at the structure. We will also see how DNA is transferred to new cells in both mitosis and meiosis.
 Week 14
Lesson 14
The Genetic Code
We will see how RNA functions to create proteins from the instructions given by DNA and will look at how mutations in the DNA can affect protein function.
 Week 15
Lesson 15
DNA Manipulations
We will explore how scientists are engineering DNA to produce insulin and other proteins artificially, how PCR can allow scientists to make large quantities of a particular stretch of DNA, and how DNA is used in forensic science to help catch criminals.
Students will gain an understanding of core concepts in physics, chemistry, and biology that will prepare them for higher level courses.  
Homework Offered
I will provide optional practice sheets to reinforce concepts from class. Students will also have the option of assigned reading from the e-textbook which will be approximately 8 pages per week. In addition there will be optional out of class activities using household items such as designing a balloon powered car using a water bottle or a solar oven from a pizza box.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Students will be provided with an optional test at the end of each unit (physics, chemistry, and biology) to test their knowledge of the subject matter.
Grades Offered
To request a letter grade for a learner, the learner or the learner's parent or guardian should contact me during the first week of class. Requirements for a grade are to complete all three tests and six of the at-home projects of the learner’s choosing.
Learners should have a basic understanding of mathematical equations for the physics portion of the course, but a learner who picks things up quickly would probably be fine without it.
After the first class, I will provide a file that includes common household materials or easily purchased items to have handy for each week.  Students will also receive the e-textbook as a file after the first class.  

For the first class students will need pen and paper and a paper clip or a safety pin as well as a simple calculator (cell phone or an online calculator will work fine).  
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
I will provide a copy of an e-textbook in PDF format to accompany the course after the first class meeting.  A PDF of the periodic table will also be included for students to use or they may use their own.  
Rising Star
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(37)
Profile
Hello!  I have always loved learning, and when I was small I would often request that my mother play school with me.  From there I graduated to playing teacher; I would invent imaginary students and assignments for them which I then graded with... 
Group Class

$300

for 15 classes
1x per week, 15 weeks
60 min

Completed by 178 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
6-12 learners per class

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