Physical Science (lab)/Physical Science Honors (lab)

This two-segment course is designed as an interactive introduction to basic physics and chemistry. Topics include forces and motion, energy through waves, electricity, magnetism, the matter around us, chemical bonding, and reactions. This course is designed to serve as a foundation for the study of the physical sciences. Students use scientific inquiry and higher-order problem-solving as they explore these topics through interactive simulations and both virtual and hands-on experiences. In addition, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) concepts are integrated throughout the course. Collaborative projects and real-world aid the student in ultimately demonstrating an understanding of the importance of the physical and chemical properties of the world around them.

Note: Exact content varies depending on the course version. For currently enrolled students, please refer to the syllabus located in the course information area for curriculum specifics.

Projects allow students to demonstrate their understanding of concepts and skills by completing a job-related task. The assignment might be to create a mural, a package design, a speech, a film review, or a movie set – you name it! These creative projects are about applying your learning acquired through in-depth research to real-world career tasks.

Please review the competency statements to learn the major topics and concepts covered in this offering.

Experiences allow you to explore a career field you’re curious about while mastering competencies for school credit. Through experiential learning, you will learn skills and apply these skills to tasks you would complete as part of a career, rather than completing traditional assessments like essays or tests. During your experience, you’ll work with a professional in the field to support your learning. You’ll earn a badge for your accomplishments, which you can share on social media and higher education platforms, or with colleges, potential employers, peers, and/or colleagues to display your qualifications.

Here’s how experiences work:

1. Each competency you work on is addressed through a separate deliverable predetermined by you and your instructor.
2. Guided learning for each module consists of research and/or work with a professional in the field. Your instructor will coach you through this process.
3. Each module culminates in a final demonstration of understanding, which includes a deliverable and a discussion-based assessment with your instructor.

Here’s an example:

Let’s say you’re curious about a career in healthcare. You decide you’d like to learn about this career area, make a professional connection, earn a badge and earn competencies for your 9th grade English requirement. While enrolled in English 1 Experiences, you conduct research to better understand language and structure in writing. Then, you work with an Occupational Therapist who helps you apply this understanding to the creation of an informational video. The video aims to advise the family members of patients regarding adaptive equipment and accommodations to help them support their family members as they go about their daily tasks. You’ve earned the Language and Structure in Writing competency! (This is just one example of the many ways experiences can bridge competencies to careers.)

*A parent/guardian permission form and background check of the outside expert are required for students to work with outside experts without parental supervision.

*Please have an idea for an outside expert in mind prior to enrollment or consult with our counseling department by emailing [email protected] prior to enrollment for support identifying one.