Physical Science Syllabus
Physical Science Syllabus
Curriculum Profile
Physical Science
This course is designed to give students an introduction to the physical sciences;
chemistry, physics (work, forces, electricity, fluids, light, and magnetism), and Earth
Science (geology, weather, and basic astronomy). The students will do a variety of labs
to help with understanding of the key components of the course work. This course will
require the students to gain knowledge through the collection of data and manipulation of
that data in graph form using excel and then analyzing that data to draw conclusions.
Use kinetic theory, wave theory, quantum theory and the laws of thermodynamics
to explain energy transformations.
(12.C.4a )
Analyze reactions (e.g., nuclear reactions, burning of fuel, and decomposition of
waste) in natural and man-made energy systems.
(12.C.5a )
Analyze the properties of materials (e.g., mass, boiling point, melting point,
hardness) in relation to their physical and/or chemical structures.
(12.C.5b )
Analyze factors that influence the relative motion of an object (e.g., friction, wind
shear, cross currents, potential differences).
(12.D.5a )
Describe the effects of electromagnetic and nuclear forces including atomic and
molecular bonding, capacitance and nuclear reactions.
(12.D.4b )
Explain how external and internal energy sources drive Earth processes (e.g.,
solar energy drives weather patterns; internal heat drives plate tectonics).
(12.E.4a )
Describe how rock sequences and fossil remains are used to interpret the age and
changes in the Earth.
(12.E.4b )
Explain theories, past and present, for changes observed in the universe.
(12.F.4a)
Describe and compare the chemical and physical characteristics of galaxies and
objects within galaxies (e.g. pulsars, nebulae, black holes, dark matter, and stars).
(12.F.4b)
LOCAL ASSESSMENT: 1st semester- *Semester pretest
*Exploravision team project
*Semester post-test / exam
SUGGESTED *quizzes
ASSIGNMENTS *labs
*teacher evaluation
*3-D models
*PowerPoint
*internet research
*tests
*collaborative learning
*literacy strategies
FIRST SEMESTER
TOPICS:
Chapter 1 Science Skills
Chapter 2 Properties of Matter
Chapter 3 States of Matter
Chapter 4 Atomic Structure
Chapter 5 The Periodic Table
Chapter 6 Chemical Bonds
Chapter 7 Chemical Reactions
Chapter 8 Solutions, Acids, and Bases
Chapter 9 Carbon Chemistry
Chapter 10 Nuclear Chemistry