Description
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 called “the central science.” The two primary objectives of this course are to prepare students to succeed in a future high school Chemistry course and to broaden their appreciation of the remarkable complexity and wonder of the 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 numerical methods, plotting graphs, measuring, inferring, predicting, developing models, interpreting data, hypothesizing, and experimenting will all help students build knowledge and communicate their learning. We’ll support our inquiry with hands-on and virtual labs, as well as 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 classes start.
Course Structure
This course offers a flexible structure in which students progress through weekly assignments at their own pace and on their own schedule. Self-paced learning will not include required weekly Live Zoom attendance. Students will stay in touch with the teacher as needed via Canvas.
Assignments will include guided notes, instructional videos, textbook readings, and web-based Ed-Tech tools. The self-paced format uses recorded lectures from live classes, allowing self-paced students to feel part of the course, learn new concepts, and observe demonstrations at their own pace.
Learning is reinforced through:
-
- Reading and textbook work will provide the foundation for content.
- Hands-on and virtual labs that can be conducted at home with adult supervision using household materials.
- Traditional assessments, Homework and Creative projects
- Access to Ed-tech tools that will enrich the learning experience
Who should enroll?
Self-motivated students in grades 9 or 10.
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
The Teacher will oversee and approve all grades. Some Ed-Tech assignments will be autograded, while other assignments will be manually graded by the teacher. Even auto-assessed grades will be approved by the teacher. All assignments for this Self-Paced Course will be due by the end of the semester. Given the course’s scaffolding and the number of assignments due, it is highly recommended that students try to stay on a schedule similar to the one the course is designed around. The teacher will touch base with the student if it appears that progress is not being made in a reasonable timeframe.
Communication
Grades are perpetually available for students and parents to view in Canvas. Parents may contact me throughout the course via the Canvas website.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.