Sustaining life processes requires substantial energy and matter inputs. The complex structural organization of organisms accommodates the capture, transformation, and elimination of the matter and energy needed to sustain life. Photosynthesis is an important metabolic activity within living cells important in the transfer and transformation of energy for life processes.  This module focuses on photosynthesis and the energy molecule ATP.This module was developed by Teresa Ballou as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education. 

Students will investigate potential and kinetic energy, and observe that energy is continually transferred from one object to another between various forms.This module was developed by Christina Owens as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

Proteins carry out the essential functions of life processes through systems of specialized cells. The structure of DNA serves as a code for the production of proteins through the process of protein synthesis. Protein synthesis is a biochemical process that uses information coded in DNA to construct proteins.  The central dogma illustrates the flow of genetic information in this process:  DNA-->RNA-->Proteins.  (Enduring Understandings of BIO.2d).This module was developed by Kris Scheible as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

Overall goal of the module (reference: The standards that reflect intended Enduring Understanding)The student will:A.)  model a longitudinal (compression) wave and diagram, label, and describe the components (wavelength, compression, and frequency) (PS.6 a)B.)  explain the relationship between frequency and wavelength (PS.6 a)C.)  plan and conduct an investigation related to sound (the investigation may be a complete experimental design or may focus on systematic observation, description, measurement, and/or data collection and analysis) (PS.6 b)This module was developed by Tracey Nipper as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Viginia Department of Education.

In this 8th grade physical science module, students will calculate speed problems/scenarios using the speed equation (speed=distance/time), and compare and contrast the speed of multiple objects.  This module was developed by Tracey Nipper as part of a Virginia Commonwealth Universtiy STEM initiave sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.    

The student will compare sound traveling through a solid and sound traveling through the air. After the completion of this module students will understand that sound travels fastest through solids, slower in liquids and slowest through gas. This module was developed by Sarah Donnelly as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.

The goal of this module is that 5th graders will not simply memorize the definition of matter and know what makes up matter, but they will understand this conceptually and deeply. They will explore how matter takes up space and has mass, that the amount of mass doesn't change when matter undergoes phase change, and that matter can be subdivided into particles too small to see.This module was developed by Karin Kaerwer as part of a Virginia Commonwealth University STEM initiative sponsored by the Virginia Department of Education.