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The A+LS Science curriculum is a comprehensive, completely integrated science curriculum for grade levels 1-12. A sequence of nine titles provides for an extensive, integrated solution that is fully correlated to major mastery standards and leading, adopted textbooks.
The Science titles deliver knowledge in Science Skills utilizing a four-step approach: Study, Practice, Test, and Essay modules are utilized to define the instructional environment. The Study module provides a text- and graphics-based delivery of knowledge. In this module, pictures and diagrams are utilized to present and reinforce important concepts. Each of the lessons in the Study modules contain a wealth of content and graphic support. The graphic images all magnify to full screen size to concisely present and reinforce these concepts. The Practice module provides the student an opportunity, in a non-scored and non-graded environment, to practice skills acquired through studying. Engaging, interactive feedback prompts the student to right answers when wrong answers to questions are entered, and the student has instant access to the Study material for reference. All questions in the Practice module are drawn from a bank of approximately 30 questions through an algorithm which randomizes question selection to prevent duplication. In the Test module, the student takes a scored examination, the results of which are recorded in the A+LS Management System. Upon completion of the Test, the student electronically "turns in" their test and may instantly see test results and the correct answers to questions missed. Questions can be in "multiple-choice" or "fill-in-the-blank" format. The Essay module allows the student to compose individual, free-form answers to a wide variety of questions and problems.
| LESSON # | LESSON TITLE | LESSON CONTENT |
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Matter 1 | Examination of the solid, liquid, and gaseous states of matter; how atoms make up matter; the property of matter |
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Matter 2 | How matter changes states; how mass and matter can be measured, the evaporation of water into a gas |
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Machines 1 | Identification and explanation of simple machines, including the lever, hammer, seesaw, ramp, wedge, and screw; fulcrum and load |
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Machines 2 | The concept of compound and complex machines; a pencil sharpener, the bicycle; other simple machines, the wheel, pulley, and wedge |
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Machines 3 | Exploring force and friction; how a force is a push or a pull; how work is done when an object is moved; the concept of resistance on machines |
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Magnetism | The effect of magnetic forces, the earth as a magnet, the north and south poles of a magnet; how magnets can attract and repel objects |
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Electricity | Electrical charges, currents, flow of electricity, conductors and non-conductors of electricity; electrical circuits, static electricity; batteries and lightning |
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Heat | Heat as energy, uses and sources of heat; solar heat; the conductors and insulators of heat; the use of a thermometer to measure heat; Fahrenheit and Celsius scales; calories |
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Light | Light as a form of energy, sources of light; measurement of the speed of light, how light affects objects |
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Sound | Causes of sound; identification and explanation of vibrations, pitch, sound waves, duration; how sound travels through matter |
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Cells | Introduction to cells; cells; the cell as the smallest living part of a plant or animal; how cells divide; the shapes and sizes of cells; organisms, and systems |
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Bones and Muscles | How bones help move and support the body; bones protect internal organs; bones as living tissue; bone marrow, how muscles work |
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The Brain | Function and composition of the human brain and the nervous system; the left and right hemispheres; long and short term memory |
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A Healthy Body | How to have a healthy body; food groups and the food pyramid; nutrition habits; preventing illness; identification of germs, viruses, bacteria, and personal hygiene |
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Conservation | Importance of preservation and conservation of animal and plant habitats; the effect of pollution and acid rain; the role of conservationists |
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Plants | Seed and non-seed plants, plant parts, roots, stems, and leaves; how plants make food; photosynthesis; carbon dioxide |
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Seeds | The basic needs of seeds; how seeds are scattered and transported by water, wind, and animals |
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Animal Populations | Identification of animal populations; a community of animals; herds, flocks, schools, prides; identification of endangered species |
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Animal Habitats | Where animals live; eating habits of animals, herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores; how animals are consumers; the importance of people protecting the habitat of animals |
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Insects | Overview of insect features; study of lady bugs, butterflies, and spiders; social insects; colonies; metamorphosis; the parts of an insect |
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The Food Chain | Predators and prey; the eating habits of animals; decomposers, the food chain on land and water; the food web; algae |
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Life Cycles | The life cycle of living things; humans, animals, butterflies, mealworms, frogs; how animals are born; decomposition; the biosphere and metamorphosis |
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Inside Our Earth | The appearance of earth from space; the earth as a sphere; the layers of the earth; landforms; islands and mountains; the crust, mantle, and core of the earth |
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The Changing Earth | How weathering and erosion affect the earth; soil and rocks; how wind and water and glaciers cause erosion |
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Rocks and Minerals | Classification of rocks and minerals; properties of minerals including color, weight, hardness; mineralogists; magnetic minerals; igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks, sediments |
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Oceans | Identification of the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans; how the oceans affect weather and produce food; ocean waves; the crest and trough of waves, wavelength; tsunamis, ocean currents, and tides |
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Weather 1 | Identification of atmospheric layers and how they relate to life on earth; the formation of weather in the atmosphere |
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Weather 2 | The troposphere, water vapor, precipitation; humidity, dew, the dew point; water cycle; the formation of frost; meteorologists |
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Water | Salt water in the oceans, fresh water in glaciers; lakes, rivers, and ponds; goundwater; the water cycle; evaporation and condensation |
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The Solar System 1 | Overview of the solar system; galaxies; the Milky Way; identification of the inner and outer planets; the Asteroid Belt |
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The Solar System 2 | The orbits of earth and moon; effects of gravity; eclipses, the rotation of the earth |
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The Moon | Examination of the orbit and phases of the moon; the moon’s surface and atmosphere; the relationship of the earth and the moon |
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The Sun | Composition of the sun; how the sun affects life on earth; growth; the sun as a star; the temperature of the sun and planets; elliptical orbits of the planets |
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The Seasons | Review of the four seasons; how the tilt of the earth causes seasons; temperatures and events that are associated with seasons |
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Science Fair Project | Development of a science fair project; topic selection; the scientific method; the hypothesis; how to display your project; procedures; results and conclusions |
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Computers | The development of computers; the abacus; the modern computer; computer memory; bytes; output; input, and data |
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Science Terms Review | A comprehensive review of the science terms included in all lessons |
