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Physical Science (lab)/Physical Science Honors (lab)
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Ever wonder why more massive objects require more force to move? Perhaps you have questioned how new substances are made or how energy is involved in changes in matter? These are some of the concepts students will be exploring in Physical Science. This course teaches the foundational concepts of physics and chemistry. Students will use scientific inquiry, interactive experiences, higher order thinking, collaborative projects, and virtual labs to build and demonstrate an understanding of physical and chemical phenomena enabling them to apply these principles to their everyday lives.
Major Topics and Concepts
Module 1
- Motion Pretest
- The Study of Science
- Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration
- Honors: Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration
- The Laws of Motion
- Honors: The Laws of Motion
- Forces in Action
- Energy
- Work and Power
- Motion Discussion-Based Assessment
- Motion Exam
Module 2
- Waves Pretest
- Waves
- Sound
- Honors: Sound
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum — The Visible
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum — The Non–Visible
- Science and You
- Waves Discussion-Based Assessment
- Waves Exam
Module 3
- Electricity Pretest
- Electrical Charges
- Electric Current
- Circuits
- Electromagnetism
- Energy Resources
- Human Impacts on the Environment
- Electricity Discussion-Based Assessment
- Electricity Exam
- Segment One Exam
Module 4
- Classifying Matter Pretest
- States of Matter
- Classifying Matter
- Properties of Matter
- Atomic Theory
- Honors: Atomic Theory
- Properties of Atoms
- The Periodic Table of Elements
- Classifying Matter Discussion-Based Assessment
- Classifying Matter Exam
Module 5
- Chemical Properties Pretest
- Electrons and Bonding
- Ionic and Covalent Bonds
- Chemical Formulas
- Hydrogen Hydroxide
- Acids and Bases
- Lab Time: Acid and Base Indicators
- Chemical Properties Discussion-Based Assessment
- Chemical Properties Exam
Module 6
- Reactions Pretest
- Chemical Reactions
- Classifying Chemical Reactions
- Chemical Reactions and Energy
- Honors: Chemical Reactions and Energy
- Reaction Rates and Temperature Laboratory
- Radioactivity
- Nuclear Reactions
- Honors: Regulating Nuclear Power
- Impact of Biotechnology
- Reactions Discussion-Based Assessment
- Reactions Exam
*Collaborative project: Students are required to submit one collaborative project in segment 2. There will be three different options throughout the segment to choose from.
Competencies
Motion
Students will demonstrate an understanding of motion by explaining scientific inquiry, describing the Laws of Motion, and comparing fundamental forces.
Waves
Students will demonstrate an understanding of waves by summarizing the properties of waves, describing characteristics of mechanical waves, and explaining components of electromagnetic waves.
Electricity
Students will demonstrate an understanding of electricity by describing electrical charges, describing electrical current and circuits, explaining electromagnetism, and comparing energy resources.
Classifying Matter
Students will demonstrate an understanding of classifying matter by explaining the states of matter, describing properties of matter, explaining atomic theory, and summarizing the periodic table of elements.
Chemical Properties
Students will demonstrate an understanding of chemical properties by describing electrons and bonding, explaining chemical formulas, and describing properties of acids and bases.
Reactions
Students will demonstrate an understanding of chemical reactions by describing chemical reaction classification, explaining energy and reaction rates, and describing radioactivity.
