Physical Science Plus

Course Overview:

Physical Science Plus introduces students to key concepts and theories that provide a foundation for further study in other sciences and advanced science disciplines. Physical Science Plus comprises the systematic study of the physical world as it relates to fundamental concepts about matter, energy and motion. A unified understanding of phenomena in physical and living systems is the culmination of all previously learned concepts related to chemistry, biology and mathematical reasoning. Classroom and on-line laboratory activities are an essential part of the curriculum. The student is responsible for having a class composition book and workbook. This class meets five periods per week for ½ unit of credit each semester. FEE: $20

Textbooks:

Teacher created materials
Online labs through PHET and Amrita

Assessments:

Midterm (cumulative)
Final exam

 

First Quarter: Scientific Inquiry, Basic Science Skills

Standards/Learning Goals:

Scientific Inquiry:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations
  • Design and conduct scientific investigations
  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications
  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking)
  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models
  • Communicate and support a scientific argument

Basic Scientific Skills: 

  • Proper lab safety
  • Proper use of lab equipment, including scientific notation and significant figures
  • Graphing techniques, including slopes
  • Problem solving with scientific method
  • Accuracy and precision
  • Independent and dependent variables
  • Dimensional analysis
  • Metrics

Second Quarter: Density and Lab Skills

Standards/Learning Goals:

Scientific Inquiry:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations
  • Design and conduct scientific investigations
  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications
  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking)
  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models
  • Communicate and support a scientific argument

Study of Matter:

  • The property of density
  • Graphing
  • Measurement
  • Matter (states of matter)
  • Matter (classification)

Third Quarter: Subatomic Particles and Periodic Table

Standards/Learning Goals:

Scientific Inquiry:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations
  • Design and conduct scientific investigations
  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications
  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking)
  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models
  • Communicate and support a scientific argument

Matter:

  • Matter (classification)
  • Subatomic particles
  • Bohr models
  • Periodic trends of the elements
  • Representative groups

Fourth Quarter: Biological Basics

Standards/Learning Goals:

Scientific Inquiry:

  • Identify questions and concepts that guide scientific investigations
  • Design and conduct scientific investigations
  • Use technology and mathematics to improve investigations and communications
  • Formulate and revise explanations and models using logic and evidence (critical thinking)
  • Recognize and analyze explanations and models
  • Communicate and support a scientific argument

Biology Concepts:

  • Acid/bases
  • Photosynthesis
  • Respiration
  • Food chain
  • Evolution (cladograms)
  • Cell biology