Enroll in Science 7 with Dolphin STEM Academy
Course Overview
Science is the study of the natural world. It relies on investigations and evidence to
describe the natural events that occur around us. Science 7B is about matter and
energy. It discusses chemical changes that occur in matter, and it teaches how to
identify different forms of energy. The course also covers force fields and the factors
that affect their strength. In the first unit, you’ll apply the law of conservation of energy to
the products and reactants in a chemical reaction. In the second unit, you’ll be
introduced to gravitational, electric, and magnetic force fields. In the third unit, you’ll
learn more about energy transformations in objects and systems as you study kinetic
energy, potential energy, and thermal energy.
Course Goals
By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:
Compare properties of reactants and products to determine whether a chemical
reaction has occurred.
Develop a model to show that atoms are conserved in chemical reactions.
Describe energy changes that occur during a chemical reaction.
Describe the properties and uses of synthetic materials and how they affect society.
Construct arguments that support the law of universal gravitation.
Identify factors that determine the strength of forces created by electric charge and by magnets.
Describe how current flows through series and parallel electric circuits.
Differentiate between electromagnets, generators, and motors.
Identify different forms of energy, and discuss how energy flows through systems.
Explain how the position of an object in a force field relates to its potential energy.
Compute the kinetic energy of moving objects.
Define the law of conservation of energy.
Analyze models that show how heat flows between objects at different temperatures.
Design, build, test, and modify a device that relies on a transfer of thermal energy.
General Skills
To participate in this course, you should be able to do the following:
Complete basic operations with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Complete basic operations with presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint
or Google Docs presentation.
Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
Communicate through email and participate in discussion boards.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses,
refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at
the beginning of this course.
Credit Value
Science 7B is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
notebook
computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones
Microsoft Word or equivalent
Microsoft PowerPoint or equivalent
equipment listed in Appendix B
Course Pacing Guide
This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you stay on schedule with
your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the
specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: Chemical Reactions
Summary
This unit focuses on chemical reactions between substances. You’ll learn to determine
whether a chemical reaction has occurred by comparing properties of reactants and
products. You’ll also develop a model to show that atoms are conserved in chemical
reactions and describe the energy changes that have taken place. You’ll apply ideas on
chemical reactions to design, construct, test, and modify a device that releases or
absorbs thermal energy. Finally, you’ll see how inventors use chemical reactions to
create synthetic materials and how the products affect society.
Unit 2: Force Fields
Summary
This unit focuses on gravitational, electric, and magnetic force fields. In this unit, you will
use evidence to explain the force of gravity around you and understand how the
strength (force) of gravity depends on an object’s mass. You’ll also identify factors that
determine the strength of forces created by electric charge and by magnets. You’ll
model series and parallel circuits and explain how a current flows through them. You’ll
apply your understanding of electricity and magnetism to classify devices as
electromagnets, generators, and motors. You’ll describe the cause of Earth’s magnetic
field and explain how it protects our atmosphere from charged particles. Finally, in a
real-world application, you’ll calculate how much electricity you use in your home and
propose ways to conserve electricity.
Unit 3: Energy
Summary
This unit focuses on forms of energy and energy transformations. In this unit, you’ll
construct energy flow diagrams to describe the movement of energy through one or
more systems. You’ll explain how the position of an object in a force field relates to its
potential energy. You’ll also discuss how speed and mass affect the kinetic energy of an
object. You’ll investigate how heat flows between objects at different temperatures and
how that process relates to thermal energy. Finally, you will apply heat transfer ideas as
you design, construct, test, and modify a device that minimizes or maximizes thermal
energy transfer.
Appendix A: Safety Notes and Disclaimer
Each Course Activity and Unit Activity that includes a lab/experiment component will
highlight key safety guidelines using the safety icon ( ), which appears directly in the
activity. In addition to adhering to those guidelines, you must ensure that you follow
these general safety practices:
Work slowly and safely at all times, and abide by the safety notes and icons.
Pay attention and be alert at all times. Limit any distractions.
Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes, mouth, and skin. Wash your hands
before and after experiments.
If you don’t understand something, ask a teacher or an adult before proceeding.
Wear the required protective gear.
Adult supervision is required for all activities involving an experiment/lab component.
Do not perform experiments that have not been approved. Follow the procedure.
Follow good housekeeping practices. Keep your work area clean.
Abide by all disposal instructions and icons to protect yourself and our planet.
Report any problems or complications to an adult.
Note: Edmentum assumes no liability for personal injury, death, property damage,
equipment damage, or financial loss resulting from the instruction included in this
course.
