Conceptual Physics
8th Grade

Week Objectives 

Finish Chapter 1: About Science to learn introductory information for the year about the history of physics and the importance of math. We will also review scientific method, taking measurements, and writing in scientific notation. Start Chapter 2.

For Absent Students: 

Pick up missed assignments at student table in my class room (314).  

**Quizzes/Tests will need to be made up during tutoring times - either during Block-Day Conference periods, after school or at lunch. 

Week Objectives 

Start Chapter 2: Mechanical Equilibrium to learn the definitions of equilibrium and forces. Also learn how to calculate net force and determine the difference between weight and mass.

For Absent Students: 

Pick up missed assignments at student table in my class room (314).  

**Quizzes/Tests will need to be made up during tutoring times - either during Block-Day Conference periods, after school or at lunch. 

Week Objectives 

Continue Chapter 2: Mechanical Equilibrium to learn the definitions of equilibrium and forces. 

For Absent Students: 

Pick up missed assignments at student table in my class room (314).  

**Quizzes/Tests will need to be made up during tutoring times - either during Block-Day Conference periods, after school or at lunch. 

Week Objectives 

Continue Chapter 2: Mechanical Equilibrium to learn the definitions of equilibrium and forces. 

For Absent Students: 

Pick up missed assignments at student table in my class room (314).  

**Quizzes/Tests will need to be made up during tutoring times - either during Block-Day Conference periods, after school or at lunch. 

1. Green Folder 

2. 3 tabbed dividers: “Handouts”, “Labs”, “Assessments” 

-students may choose to take notes in a spiral notebook instead of loose-leaf paper  

3. Multiple writing utensils 

4. A planner - for assignment tracking 

5. Colored Pencils 

6. Calculator (4-function, minimum) 

-I will have 30 classroom calculators which can be borrowed  

Class Description 

This class is an approach to physics that will stimulate higher cognitive skills and encourage the students to see science everywhere. Conceptual physics will be a three-step learning process building understanding through exploration, developing comprehension through demonstrations, and applying what has been learned through a variety of inquiry-based activities. Conceptual physics will maximize the use of a student’s personal experience in the everyday world in their everyday language. The equations encountered will serve as guides to thinking and understanding the world around us. 

Adhering to the following guidelines will be essential:  

1. Listen during lectures and lab work. 

2. Take good notes. 

3. Stay organized: Keep notebooks neat and organized.  

4. Complete all assignments. 

5. Always ask for help as science builds upon itself through the course. 

6. Stay positive! 

Eighth Grade Conceptual Physics Units  

• Scientific Method 

• Equilibrium 

• Kinematics (Motion) 

• Dynamics & Gravitation  

• Work, Energy & Momentum 

• Power  

• Harmonic Motion  

• Thermodynamics 

• Electrostatics 

• Magnetism & Electromagnetism  

• Mechanical Waves & Sound 

• Light & Optics