Physical Science

Class overview

1st  Semester we cover the Scientific Method and Physics Standards

• ENERGY AND WAVES

• Conservation of energy

• Quantifying kinetic energy

• Quantifying gravitational potential energy

• Transfer and transformation of energy (including work)

•  Waves

• Refraction, reflection, diffraction, absorption, superposition

• Radiant energy and the electromagnetic spectrum

• Doppler shift

• Thermal energy

• FORCES AND MOTION

• Motion

• Introduction to one-dimensional vectors

• Displacement, velocity (constant, average and instantaneous)

and acceleration

• Interpreting position vs. time and velocity vs. time graphs

• Forces

• Force diagrams

• Types of forces (gravity, friction, normal, tension)

• Field model for forces at a distance

• Dynamics (how forces affect motion)

• Objects at rest

• Objects moving with constant velocity

• Accelerating objects

2nd semester we will cover the Chemistry Standards.

Study of Matter

• Classification of matter

• Heterogeneous vs. homogeneous Mixtures

• Properties of matter

• States of matter and its changes

•  Atoms

• Models of the atom (components)

• Ions (cations and anions)

• Isotopes

• Periodic trends of the elements

• Periodic law

• Representative groups

•  Bonding and compounds

• Bonding (ionic and covalent)

• Nomenclature

• Reactions of matter

• Chemical reactions

• Nuclear reactions

This is a hands on class where students will be participating in labs as much as possible. With this being said there will be very strict rules when it comes to using chemicals, Bunsen burners etc.

Class Supplies

• Paper for the year to take notes on

• Folder

• Pencil

• Optional Scientific Calculator. ( I have a classroom set to use in the classroom. There is a lot of math in this class)