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 be learning the fundamentals of chemistry, “the central science”. The two priorities of this course are to prepare the student to successfully complete a future high school Chemistry course and to expand the student’s appreciation for the amazing complexity and wonder of our physical world.
We will be learning the inquiry process by asking questions that stimulate students to think critically and to 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 classes start.
Course Structure
Each week begins with class; then students are provided with guided notes, videos, textbooks, and web-based reading assignments. Students then take electronic homework assignments on each lesson in the textbook to check their understanding of the material that 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 lots of student interaction on the microphone.
Attendance is expected, but the live class is recorded and posted for about a month for students who need to miss occasionally. 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.
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.