Course Description

This is a full-year Physical Science course for students in grades 6-8.

Physical science is the study of the non-living world. It includes the study of matter, which is the “stuff” that everything is made of, as well as the study of energy, which gives matter the ability to move and change. We’ll use an online textbook, teacher-created lessons, lots of videos, audio recordings, games, and activities to gain an understanding of the basics of chemistry and physics.

Physical Science 1: Matter (first semester)

In Physical Science 1: Matter, we will begin by learning about the structure of matter and the way that the particles of matter interact to make up everything in the universe. We will learn about the structure of the atom, the periodic table of elements, chemical interactions, carbon chemistry, acids and bases, and nuclear chemistry.

Physical Science 2: Energy & Motion (second semester)

In Physical Science 2: Energy & Motion, we will learn about kinetic and potential energy, energy conversions, heat, waves, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, the motion of objects, forces like friction and gravity, the forces that relate to fluids, and simple machines.

Course Structure

The live classes are a combination of game-based reviews of topics from the previous week, introductions to the coming week, or case studies to support the course materials. Although it is always best for students to attend the live classes, I will post the recording of the class so that students who can’t attend can watch it later.

Canvas lessons will be posted on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and will include an introduction as well as a section to read in the online textbook. I use a lot of audio and video recordings to help students learn the correct pronunciation of new terms as well as to reinforce content from the online book. When applicable, activities and experiments will be used to supplement the book.

Who should enroll?

Physical Science is for curious students in grades 6–8 who have a strong desire to understand the physical nature of the universe. Fifth graders will be considered with prior instructor approval.

Technology Requirements

High speed, broadband Internet
Headset, microphone, and webcam (for live sessions)
Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures

Evaluation and Feedback

I use quizzes at the end of most lessons to assure both the student and the teacher that students understand the concepts presented in the lessons. Many of the quizzes are automatically graded by the computer. For the essay questions and projects, I generally grade every day, sending feedback to the students to help them understand questions they may have missed. A final grade will be based on the scores from quizzes, participation in activities and experiments and attendance and participation in live classes. A Certificate of Completion will be given at the end of the course which will include the final grade.

Communication

I welcome any and all communication from parents. I want to partner with you in your student’s education, so if at any time you have questions or concerns, my virtual door is open. I will send periodic progress reports to let you know how your student is doing in Physical Science.

Required Texts

Text and Supplies

The free CK-12 online textbook, Physical Science for Middle School” will be used and may be accessed at this website: https://www.ck12.org/c/physical-science/
Supplies needed for experiments and activities will be ones that are readily available at home or at a supermarket. A list of supplies will be provided at the beginning of the course.