Project Lead the Way

Students learn about the three states of matter. They investigate mixtures of different materials that lead to new substances and conserve mass. Students design a test that demonstrates that an item has the required mechanical properties.

Students learn about Earth’s ecosystems and how energy flows from the sun to plants, and from plants to animals. Students create a model to describe photosynthesis and explain how energy from the sun is introduced into an ecosystem. Students use evidence to defend the claim that plants get the materials they need for growth mainly from air and water. Students learn how energy flows through an ecosystem and explore a simulation about how an ecosystem can become unbalanced. Finally, students use the design process to develop an action plan to protect plants and animals in an ecosystem that has become unbalanced due to human activity.

Students develop an understanding that stars are balls of hot gas. They learn that our Sun is a star at the center of our planetary system. Students learn about predictable patterns on Earth in relation to its place in the solar system. They design an exhibit that educates others about a concept they have learned throughout the module.

Students learn about Earth’s systems: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere. Students examine how these systems interact and examine the role of gravity within each system. They take an in-depth look at how the processes of the water cycle intersect with each of the systems and apply this knowledge to investigate factors that impact the rate of evaporation. Students use the design process to develop a method for producing clean drinking water from samples of contaminated water.