Pathfinders Academy

6-7-8 Integrated Science (3:45-5:15)

Days: Tuesdays
Time: 3:45-5:15
Location: Pathfinders Learning Lab (217 North 10th Street, Santa Paula, CA)

Program Description

Pathfinders Science Adventurers: Ecology and Environmental Science (Year 7 - Spring)

Dive into the wonders of ecology and environmental science this spring! Designed for students in grades 6-8, this course builds on foundational scientific principles to explore the dynamic relationships between organisms and their environments. Through hands-on experiments, interactive lessons, and engaging projects, students will study ecosystems, biodiversity, weather, climate, and human impact on Earth.

Course Outline

Weeks 1-3: Life Science - Ecosystems and Biodiversity

• Introduction to Ecosystems (Life Science)
  Understand the components and functions of ecosystems.
• Interactions Between Living Organisms and Their Environment (Life Science)
  Explore food chains, food webs, and symbiotic relationships.
• Biodiversity and Conservation (Life Science)
  Learn about species diversity, its importance, and conservation strategies.

Weeks 4-6: Earth Science - Weather and Climate

• Components of the Atmosphere (Earth Science)
  Examine the layers of the atmosphere and their characteristics.
• Weather Patterns and Phenomena (Earth Science)
  Study how weather is formed and investigate phenomena like storms and hurricanes.
• Climate and Its Impact on Ecosystems (Earth Science)
  Understand global climate zones and how climate affects biodiversity.

Weeks 7-9: Physical Science - Electricity and Magnetism

• Basics of Electricity and Magnetism (Physical Science)
  Learn about electric charge, magnetic forces, and their relationship.
• Circuits and Electrical Currents (Physical Science)
  Build and analyze simple circuits to understand how electricity flows.
• Magnetism and Its Applications (Physical Science)
  Discover how magnetism is used in everyday technology.

Weeks 10-12: Earth Science - Water Cycle and Oceans

• Water Cycle Processes (Earth Science)
  Explore the stages of the water cycle and their significance to Earth's systems.
• Oceans and Marine Life (Earth Science)
  Investigate ocean ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them.
• Human Impact on Water Resources (Earth Science)
  Discuss pollution, conservation, and sustainable water use.

Weeks 13-15: Culmination and Review

• Review Key Concepts from the Semester (General Science)
  Recap essential topics in life, earth, and physical science.
• Culminating Projects and Presentations (General Science)
  Create and present projects demonstrating the semester's learning.
• Reflection on the Scientific Learning Process (General Science)
  Reflect on personal growth and the role of science in understanding the world.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will have a deeper understanding of ecological and environmental concepts, including the ability to analyze ecosystems, weather patterns, and human impact. Students will also gain practical experience with circuits, scientific experiments, and project presentations, preparing them for advanced scientific studies in the future.

For more information on the series, visit: Foundations of Science Overview