In this course students will explore the conceptual foundations of physical science including force and motion, chemistry, and engineering and design technology. They will use a combination of hands-on experimentation and observation to build their understanding of the scientific methods that scientists and engineers use to understand the world around them. The embedded mathematical concepts include measurement and measurement of central tendency, correlation, proportional reasoning, solving algebraic equations and algebraic manipulation of formulas. Students will select and create appropriate graphs to represent their data and analyze that data as well as identify and express the relationships between dependent and independent variables. Students will learn how to graphically represent motion and how to measure speed and acceleration and will learn the calculation of rates. Additionally, students will explore the properties of matter and how the addition and subtraction of thermal energy impacts the particles that comprise a substance, and how mixing substances can result in new ones with their own unique properties.
The structure of objects affects their function. The function of objects affects their structure.
We use models to simplify, clarify, and analyze complex systems.
Systems tend towards stability or balance. External forces can stimulate or impede change.
The methodology of science gives us objective answers to challenging questions. What we do with our scientific knowledge can and does impact humanity.
Systems operate by transferring and transforming matter and energy.
The macroscopic behaviors of systems depend on their microscopic properties (the way the world works depends on things we can’t see).
Arguments are supported and/or refuted by numbers and measurements.
How is motion observed, quantified, and described in everyday activities?
How can mathematics and graphs be used to describe a physical activity?
How do universal forces affect us and objects around us?
What makes a collision calamitous?
How does the force of gravity provide structure for space systems?
How can the motion of the earth explain seasons and eclipses?
What is the structure of matter?
How is the periodic table organized?
What are phases and phase changes of matter?
How do physical changes differ from chemical changes?
What are the indicators of chemical change?
Why do certain elements readily bond to form compounds?
How does heat energy move?
How can geometric shapes be used to direct light waves in a way to increase the temperature of an object?
Major Concepts:
Scientific measurement
Accuracy and precision
Major Content:
Metric system of measurement
Powers of 10
Unit Assessments:
Quizzes
Scatter plot creation and analysis using metric olympic activities data
Major Concepts:
Describing motion verbally, graphically and mathematically
Major Content:
Speed, acceleration and momentum
Unit Assessments:
Air trolley investigation and reporting of new learning
Speed ramp investigation and reporting of new learning
Major Concepts:
Force and inertia
Major Content:
Newton's laws of motion, friction, momentum
Unit Assessments:
Egg cart design & build challenge
Major Concepts:
Gravity is the organizing force of the universe
Major Content:
Gravity
Cycles
Spatial Reasoning
Unit Assessments:
Universcale
Eccentric Earth project
Unit test
Major Concepts:
Classifying matter
Law of conservation of matter
Chemical vs physical changes
Major Content:
Substances, mixtures, elements and compounds
Physical and chemical properties of matter
Density: changes of state
Unit Assessments:
Atoms test
Density investigation
Mystery Changes Lab and analysis questions
Penny Lab Report