Course Syllabus
Course Syllabus
Middle School Comprehensive Science 3 is the third in a series of three consecutive middle
school science classes. It builds on concepts introduced in the first and second courses of the
series, including the disciplines of life science, physical science, and earth-space science. In
addition, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are integrated
throughout the course. Students learn about properties of matter, physical and chemical
changes, atoms and the periodic table of elements, photosynthesis and cellular respiration, the
universe, and the solar system. Hands-on and virtual laboratory investigations are included
throughout the course to provide students opportunities for exploration through scientific
inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, and experimental procedures. By the end of
the course, students will be practicing, experimenting, thinking, and talking like a scientist!
Estimated Completion Time: 2 segments / 32-36 weeks.
Major Topics and Concepts:
Segment 01:
Module 01: Matter
01.00 Module Pretest
01.01 Scientific Knowledge
01.02 Measurements of Matter
01.03 Volume and Density
01.04 Physical Properties
01.05 Measuring Physical Properties
01.06 Discussion-Based Assessment
01.07 Module Exam
Module 02: Changes in Matter
02.00 Module Pretest
02.01 States of Matter
02.02 Physical Versus Chemical Changes
Segment One Collaboration
02.03 Conservation of Mass
02.04 Thermal Energy and Chemical Change
02.05 Physical Models
02.06 Discussion-Based Assessment
02.07 Module Exam
03.00 Module Pretest
03.01 Atomic Theory
03.02 The Periodic Table
03.03 Advanced Valence Electrons
03.04 Compounds
03.05 pH and Salts
03.06 Mixtures and Pure Substances
03.07 Discussion-Based Assessment
03.08 Module Exam
03.09 Segment One Exam
Segment 02:
Module 04: Cycles and Conservation
04.00 Module Pretest
04.01 Conservation
04.02 Photosynthesis
04.03 Cellular Respiration
04.04 Advanced Interrelated Nature
04.05 The Carbon Cycle
04.06 Conservation Models
Segment Two Collaboration
04.07 Discussion-Based Assessment
04.08 Module Exam
Module 05: The Universe
05.00 Module Pretest
05.01 Space and Beyond
05.02 Galaxies
05.03 Stars
05.04 Solar Properties
05.05 Advanced Space Weather
05.06 Electromagnetic Spectrum
05.07 Space Technology
05.08 Discussion-Based Assessment
05.09 Module Exam
06.00 Module Pretest
06.01 Formation of the Solar System
06.02 Exploring the Solar System
06.03 Seasons and Tides
06.04 Eclipses and Moon Phases
06.05 Discussion-Based Assessment
06.06 Module Exam
06.07 Segment Two Exam
01.00 Module Pretest 1 30
01.01 Scientific Knowledge 20 60
01.02 Measurements of Matter 20 60
01.04 Physical Properties 20 60
01.06 Discussion-Based 35 30
Assessment
01.07 Module Exam 80 45