Science

Living Environment

ANIMALS--In order to survive in their environment, animals must adapt: coloration for warning or attraction, camouflage, defense mechanisms, movement, hibernation and migration. Animals have different structures that serve different functions in growth, survival and reproduction (i.e., parts that are used to produce sounds and smells). The characteristics of some animals change as seasonal conditions change (i.e., fur grows/sheds to help regulate body heat; body fat is a form of stored energy and it changes as the seasons change). All individuals have variations and because of these variations individuals of a species may have an advantage in surviving and reproducing. Animals respond to change in their environment (i.e., perspiration, heart rate, breathing rate, eye blinking, shivering and salivating).

HEALTH AND NUTRITION--Good health habits include hand washing and personal cleanliness, avoiding harmful substances, eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise. Over time humans have changed their environment by cultivating crops and raising animals, creating shelter, using energy, manufacturing goods, developing means of transportation, changing populations, and carrying out other activities.

Physical Setting

MAGNETISM--Magnetism is a force that may attract or repel certain materials. The materials an object is made up of determine some specific properties of the object (sink/float). Properties can be observed or measured with tools such as hand lenses, metric rulers, thermometers, balances, magnets, circuit testers and graduated cylinders. The forces of magnetism can affect objects through gases, liquids, and solids. The force of magnetism on objects decreases as distance increases.

ELECTRICITY--Energy exists in various forms: heat, electric, sound, chemical, mechanical, light. Energy can be transferred from one place to another. Students will utilize understanding of conductivity and electromagnetism are used to identify properties of different objects. Energy and matter interact: A bulb is lighted by means of electrical current. Electricity travels in a closed circuit. Heat can be released in many ways (i.e. by burning, rubbing/friction or combining one substance with another). Interactions with forms of energy can be either helpful or harmful. Humans utilize interactions between matter and energy: chemical to electrical, light and heat, battery and bulb; electrical to sound (i.e., doorbell buzzer); and light to electrical (i.e., solar-powered calculator)

NEWTON’S LAWS AND SIMPLE MACHINES--The force of gravity pulls objects toward the center of Earth. Mechanical energy may cause change in motion through the application of force and through the use of simple machines such as pulleys, lever, and inclined planes. Energy exists in various forms: heat, electric, sound, chemical, mechanical, light. The position or direction of motion of an object can be changed by pushing or pulling. Understand that the greater the force that is applied to an object, the greater the change in motion the object will have; the more massive the object is, the smaller the effect a given force will have.

Links:
Learning Circuits
Edheads™ Simple Machines
Simple Machines by Scholastic
ESP Science
eNature (Animals)

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