Description

Asynchronous Option

Not able to attend the live classes? An asynchronous option is available for this course. In the comments section of your order, type Asynchronous option requested.

Course Description

Have you wanted to give your student a solid introduction to the high school sciences? That’s the purpose of a physical science course. In this one-semester course, we will learn the fundamentals of chemistry, often referred to as “the central science.” The two primary objectives of this course are to prepare students to complete a future high school Chemistry course successfully and to broaden their appreciation for the remarkable complexity and wonder of our physical world.

We will learn the inquiry process by asking questions that stimulate students to think critically and formulate their own questions. Observing, classifying, using numbers, plotting graphs, measuring, inferring, predicting, formulating models, interpreting data, hypothesizing, and experimenting will all help students to build knowledge and communicate what they have learned. We’ll be supporting our inquiry with hands-on labs, virtual labs, and a creative project. The experiments can be completed at home (adult supervision is advised) and most use simple household materials. A complete list of materials will be provided before the start of classes.

Course Structure

Each week begins with class, followed by students receiving guided notes, videos, textbooks, and web-based reading assignments. Students then complete electronic homework assignments for each lesson in the textbook to assess their understanding of the material they have learned. The live class time is used to answer questions, preview new concepts, observe demonstrations, and reinforce concepts learned during the week, with ample student interaction via the microphone.

Attendance is expected, but the live class is recorded and posted for approximately a month for students who occasionally need to miss class. There is one creative project and several labs during each semester. Occasional worksheets are assigned for students to do by hand, scan, and submit, and a comprehensive test is given for every 2-3 textbook chapters.

Who should enroll?

Students should be in grades 9 or 10. Advanced 8th graders will be considered.

Prerequisite: Completion or concurrent enrollment in Algebra 1.

Technology Requirements

Scientific calculator
High-speed, broadband Internet
Sound card and microphone (for live sessions)
Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

Students will be graded on the following: notes, homework, labs, participation and unit exams (which are a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions). In addition, any class handouts should be completed, scanned, and uploaded. All student work will be graded and returned within one week of the due date.

Communication

Grades are perpetually available for students and parents to view. Parents may contact me throughout the course via the Canvas website.

Required Texts

The following text is required:

Physical Science: Concepts in Action by Wysession, Frank, and Yancopoulos, Pearson Prentice Hall (2011), ISBN: 978-1418341213 (2011) or ISBN 978-0133628173 (2007)
- Here is a good link for finding used versions of this text: https://www.gettextbooks.com/isbn/9780133628173/

Additional Materials:

scientific calculator
various household materials
scanner or smartphone to submit some written work
A complete list of required lab materials will be sent about 1 month before the course begins. This list will include some specialized equipment and various household materials.

1 review for Physical Science: Intro to Chemistry

Linsey P. – May 19, 2020

This course introduces chemistry and physics in an interesting and engaging way- leading one into the sciences and leaving them thirsting for more knowledge. Alongside the book, there are in depth lectures, labs, data analises, lectures and extra resources provided for a maximized learning experience. The structure of the lesson plan each week proved different than I’m used to, but all in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this course.

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Physical Science: Intro to Chemistry

Description

Required Texts

1 review for Physical Science: Intro to Chemistry

Instructor Bio

Shelley Wright

All classes taught by Shelley Wright

Physical Science: Introduction to Chemistry and Physics

Physical Science: Intro to Physics

Molecular Biology

Conceptual Chemistry