Science

🔬 General Science Online Course – Overview

Course Title: Foundations of Science: Understanding the World Through Inquiry
Format: Fully Online (self-paced or instructor-led)
Duration: 10–14 weeks (adjustable)
Level: Grades 6–9, adult education, or general learners
Prerequisites: None

🎯 Course Purpose

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and methods of science. It explores physical, life, and earth sciences, fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific literacy through real-world examples, virtual labs, and interactive lessons.

🧠 Learning Objectives

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply the scientific method

• Explain key concepts in life, physical, and earth sciences

• Conduct virtual experiments and analyze data

• Interpret scientific information and use evidence to support conclusions

• Recognize the role of science in technology, the environment, and society

📝 Course Content Breakdown

Module 1: Introduction to Science & Scientific Method

• What is science?

• Branches of science

• Steps of the scientific method

• Tools, safety, and lab techniques

• Observations vs. inferences

Module 2: Matter and Its Properties (Physical Science)

• States of matter

• Atoms and elements

• Physical vs. chemical changes

• Density, mass, and volume

• Introduction to the periodic table

Module 3: Energy and Forces

• Types of energy (kinetic, potential, thermal, etc.)

• Energy transformations

• Newton’s Laws of Motion

• Forces and friction

• Simple machines

Module 4: Earth Science

• Layers of the Earth

• Plate tectonics and earthquakes

• Weathering, erosion, and the rock cycle

• Weather vs. climate

• Natural disasters and their impact

Module 5: Life Science – Cells and Organisms

• Characteristics of life

• Cell theory and cell structure

• Differences between plant and animal cells

• Unicellular vs. multicellular organisms

• Levels of biological organization

Module 6: Ecosystems and the Environment

• Food chains and food webs

• Producers, consumers, and decomposers

• Ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity

• Human impact and sustainability

• Conservation efforts

Module 7: Scientific Thinking and Inquiry

• Interpreting graphs and data

• Forming hypotheses and drawing conclusions

• Communicating scientific findings

• Real-world scientific issues and ethics