Course Description
Physical Science is an interactive and engaging course that covers the sciences of chemistry and physics. The course begins with a unit on the nature of science and a review of measurement and its importance. The course proceeds with the study of chemical principles, exposing students to topics such as the properties of matter, the structure of the atom, the formation of bonds, and the properties of solutions. The course then moves to the science of physics, describing the topics of motion, force, work, and energy. Students apply their knowledge of these topics through problems, explanations, graphs, and virtual lab activities.
Course Breakdown
Frames of reference
Distance and displacement
Speed and velocity
Types of acceleration
Forces and their effects on motion
Projectiles
Newton's Three Laws of Motion
Momentum, impulse, and collision
Electromagnetic forces
Newton's Laws of Universal Gravitation
Force, work, and power
Machines and their advantages
Kinetic and potential energy
Levers Energy conservation
Thermal energy
Conduction, convection, and radiation
Thermal insulation
Laws of thermodynamics
Heat engines
Wave types and motion
Light, color, and electromagnetic spectrum
Telescopes and microscopes
Electric forces, fields, and charges
Circuits
Magnetic forces and charges
Magnetic fields
Electromagnetism
Home electricity and alternate energy sources
Course Goals
Describe how frames of reference are used to measure motion.
Demonstrate how to measure speed, including measuring it by utilizing the slope of an object.
Learn about reaction rates and the factors that affect reaction rates.
Demonstrate an understanding of Newton's Three Laws of Motion.
Analyze how energy is conserved in conversions between kinetic energy and potential energy. Describe ways to conserve energy resources.
Describe conduction, convection, and radiation and identify which of these is occurring in a given situation.
Learn how to apply the law of energy and laws of thermodynamics.
Identify factors that affect the amount of refraction, diffraction, or interference.
Describe the properties of sound waves and explain how sound is produced and reproduced.