Physical Science
2024-2025
Middle school Physical Science introduces the atom, the periodic table, Newton's laws of motion, unit conversion of measurements, as well as the basics of waves, sounds, light, and electromagnetism. Furthermore, we will spend time discussing scientific theories and the nature of truth. The goal of this course is to be a middle school credit, prepare students for high school chemistry and physics, and inspire love of the science around us everyday. This course is structured as an online hybrid course. Students will complete book work, review questions, and the occasional lab/project at home during the week, supplemented by videos from YouTube. Coursework will be submitted online. There is a math component and students are expected to be proficient in grade level math skills to solve equations relating to velocity, density, and force. Tuesday class time will be focused on hands-on experiments and activities. Past experiments have included making ice cream, periodic table battleship, and using a slinky to study wave motion.
HOMEWORK
Approximately 60 minutes per day. There will be book work, typed review questions, videos to watch, and supplemental worksheets. More time may be needed during projects or to prepare for a test.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
Parents will need to work with their student 20-30 minutes per day. Parents should check for understanding as this course introduces many new concepts and class time is mostly spent on labs. Parents will check that the student is completing the weekly assignment sheet and submitting their work when it is complete. Ideally, you should read over your student's answers before they submit to check for coherence and basic understanding. Students in middle school often need help establishing and maintaining an organizational system to keep up with papers. Students may also need help using home equipment such as a scanner to submit their work electronically. (15-20 minutes discussing science concepts per day additional time for technology assistance as your student needs)
COURSE FEE: $350 pay-in-full / $384 payment plan
SUPPLY FEE: $50
GRADE LEVEL: 8th
PREREQUISITES: No pre-requisite. Designed to be taken at the same time as pre-algebra. This course expects proficiency in grade level math skills.
CREDIT HOURS: N/A
MIN/MAX: 4 minimum, 10 maximum
TEXTS*:
- Physical Science by John Mays
- Physical Science workbook from Carson Dellosa
Additional supplies*:
- Scientific or graphing calculator
- 3 ring binder
- pen/pencil/colored pencils
*Please do not purchase any texts or supplies until you receive the officially, updated book & supply list after registration.