Course Outline

Physical Science


Physical Science is a self-contained course designed to give the student a basic introduction to the nature of science including chemistry. Concepts will be reinforced by appropriate laboratory activities and mathematical solutions. Physical Science will satisfy the graduate requirement of one unit of physical science.

Text: Glencoe Physical Science . Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, 1997.

Course Topics and Suggested Time

A. Physical Science

1. Introduction to the scientific method, measurement techniques, problem solving and experimentation (5 days)


B. Properties of Matter

1. Classifying Matter (2 days)

2. Chemical and Physical Properties of Matter (2 days)

3. Physical and Chemical Changes (2 days)


C. Structure of Matter

1. Particle Model of Matter (2 days)

2. Models of the Atom (2 days)

3. Periodic Properties of Matter (2 days)

4. Oxidation Numbers (1 day)

5. Naming Compounds (2 days)

6. Chemical Equations (2 days)

7. Chemical Bonding (2 days)

8. Acids and Bases (optional) (1 day)


D. Chemical Reactions

1. Types of Reactions (2 days)

2. Conservation of Mass & Energy Reactions (Optional) (1 day)

3. Controlling Reactions (Optional) (1 day)


E. Carbon Chemistry

1. Class of Organic Compounds (3 days)

2. Organic Compounds as Sources of Energy (Optional) (2 days)


F. Nuclear Reactions

1. Introduction to the types, detection and uses of radioactivity (2 days)


G. Motion

1. Linear motion, speed and acceleration (2 days)

2. Laws of motion: force, Newton's Laws of Motion, gravitation and projectile motion (3 days)


H. Energy

1. Types of energy, conversion of energy, friction and mechanical energy (5 days)


I. Heat Energy

1. Temperature and Heat (2 days)

2. Specific Heat (1 day)

3. Phase Changes (2 days)

4. Heat (2 days)

5. Heating and Cooling Systems (1 day)

6. Energy Conservation (1 day)

7. Kinetic Theory of Matter (Optionl) (2 days)


J. Work and Machines

1. Defining work, types of machines, measuring, energy, work and efficiency, and power of machines (5 days)


K. Wave Motion

1. Type and Property of Waves (3 days)

2. Sound: Properties and Wave Model of Sound (5 days)

3. Light and it's Uses

a. Properties and uses of light, lenses and filters (5 days)

b. Models of Light (3 days)


L. Electrical Energy

1. Electric charges and transfer of charge (3 days)

2. Electric Current and circuits (6 days)

3 Electronics: Components & Applications (1 day)


M. Electromagnetism

1. Properties of Magnets and Electromagnets (3 days)

2. Generation of Electricity (2 days)


General Plan of Action

First Four Weeks

Science Skills, Lab Safety (Ch. 1 & 2), Motion (Ch. 3), Acceleration/Momentum (Ch.4)


Second Four Weeks

Energy/Work (Ch. 5), Simple Machines (Ch. 7), Electricity (Ch. 21), Magnitism (Ch. 22)


Third Four Weeks

Energy Sources (Ch. 25), Waves and Sound (Ch. 18), Light and Color (Ch. 19), Optics (Ch. 20)


Fourth Four Weeks

Nature of Matter (Ch. 8,9,10), Naming and Writing Formulas (Ch. 11), Balancing Equations


Grading:

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