1. Photosynthesis and the Carbon Cycle: Process of photosynthesis; role of the carbon cycle; factors affecting photosynthesis; impact of climate change on plant systems; scientific investigation of energy transfer in ecosystems. 2. Properties of Materials and Reactivity: Atomic structure and periodic trends; reactions of elements to form compounds; giant molecular structures; displacement reactions; methods for making salts; rearrangement of atoms in chemical processes. 3. Forces, Energy, and Sound: Density and heat transfer mechanisms; evaporation and condensation; loudness and pitch of sound; interference of sound waves; formation of the Moon; properties of nebulae and tectonic activity. 4. Genes, Inheritance, and Evolution: Chromosomes and DNA structure; role of gametes in inheritance; genetic variation among species; principles of natural selection; mechanisms of evolution through mutation and adaptation.