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
This high school-level physical science course provides students with a solid foundation for subsequent high school science courses.
The two priorities of this course are to prepare the student to succeed in future high school Chemistry and Physics courses and to deepen the student’s appreciation for the remarkable complexity and wonder of our physical world. We will learn the inquiry process by asking questions that prompt students to think critically and formulate their own questions.
In the first semester, we will study the fundamentals of chemistry, often called “the central science.” 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 will support our inquiry with hands-on and virtual labs, as well as a creative project. The experiments can be conducted at home (with adult supervision) using simple household materials and some specialized equipment. A complete list of materials will be provided before classes start.
In the second semester, we will be learning the basics of physics, “the fundamental science.” We will begin our study of physics with motion and forces, then proceed to energy, electricity, and magnetism. Physics is a quantitative science, so we will learn to perform simple calculations throughout the course. During the semester, we will conduct several laboratory sessions and one project. The experiments can be conducted at home (with adult supervision) using simple household materials and specialized equipment. A complete list of materials will be provided before classes start.
Course Structure
Each week, students will have assignments ranging from guided notes, videos, the textbook, labs, and web-based Ed-Tech tools. Students then complete electronic homework assignments for each lesson in the textbook to assess their understanding of the material. The live class time is used to answer questions, preview new concepts, observe demonstrations, and reinforce concepts learned during the week, with lots of student interaction via the microphone.
Attendance is expected; however, the live class is recorded and made available 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 are also welcome.
Prerequisite
Completion or concurrent enrollment of 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, and 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.
Vicki Dincher –
Parent – 10/7/25
Ms. Wright is a caring and kind teacher. She tries her best to teach to her student’s ability and wants them to grasp the material well! The class is super organized, the material and coursework is easy to find. The guided readings is very on point. You can tell a lot of thought was put into crafting the course!
Linsey P. –
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.
Gina (verified owner) –
My son took Introduction to Chemistry and Physics with Mrs. Habacivch and loved it. I appreciate that she was responsive and thorough when answering my son’s questions. Her class is very well organized and she incorporates interesting and informative videos in her lessons. My son enjoyed the live lessons as well; Mrs. Habacivch kept the class engaged with active participation. This was my son’s favorite class.
Lisa Janenda (verified owner) –
My daughter has loved her Intro to Chemistry and Physics class with Mrs. Habacivch this year! The class is extremely well organized and challenging, going into more depth than I would have expected from a regular Physical Science class. Mrs. Habacivch is responsive, helpful and very knowledgeable. She does a great job getting the students to contribute during the live meetings – which can be difficult in an online format – but makes for a much more interesting and engaging class. The labs are informative, fun and very manageable, adding to the overall value of the class. In addition to communicating regularly with my daughter when she has questions, Mrs. Habacivch also checks in with parents and has taken time to answer all my questions thoroughly. I feel like my daughter has gotten excellent preparation for future Chemistry and Physics classes.