Physical Science

Description

This course is designed as an interactive, 21st century course focusing on basic physics and chemistry. Topics include forces and motion, energy through waves, electricity and 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. The utilization of scientific inquiry, web 2.0 tools, interactive experiences, higher order thinking, collaborative projects, real world application through labs and a variety of assessments all aid the student in ultimately demonstrating a vast understanding of the importance of the physical and chemical properties of the world around them; enabling them to apply these properties to their everyday lives. 

Major Topics and Concepts

Semester 1:

• Speed, Velocity and Acceleration
• The Laws of Motion
• Forces in Action
• Energy
• Work and Power
• Energy Transfer
• Introduction to waves
• Mechanical waves
• Electromagnetic waves
• Reflection and Refraction
• Electrical Charges
• Electrical Current
• Electrical Circuits
• Magnetism
• Relationship between Electricity and magnetism
• Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Semester 2:

• Classifying Matter
• States of Matter
• Properties of Matter
• Atomic Theory
• Atomic Mass
• Periodic Table of Elements
• Chemical Bonding
• Chemical Formulas
• Hydrogen hydroxide
• Solubility and Concentration
• Acids and Bases
• Chemical reactions
• Classifying Chemical Reactions
• Reaction Rates and Energy
• Radioactivity
• Nuclear Reactions
• Better Living through Chemistry