Instructor: Leilani Melendez
Email: leilani@class-source.com
Course Duration: Full Year
Grade Level: 8th-9th
Class Time: Tuesday 1:30PM-2:25PM
Required Text: Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 4th Edition by Dincher (www.apologia.com). The Student Notebook is highly recommended for the class.
Additional Fees: $60 lab fee to cover all materials used during labs (paid directly to the instructor on the first day of class).
Course Description & Objectives: This year-long course introduces students to foundational concepts in physical science through four chemistry modules, six physics modules, and an earth science unit.Chemistry topics include:Properties and states of matter, Atomic structure and the periodic table, Chemical bonds, Reactions and energyPhysics topics include:Motion and forces, Energy, Light, Electricity, and magnetismThe year concludes with an introduction to Earth Science. Students will engage in both lecture and laboratory activities, with experiments reinforcing the concepts presented in class.
Explain the properties and states of matter, including basic atomic structure and periodic table organization.
Describe chemical bonding and reactions, recognizing the role of energy in physical and chemical changes.
Apply principles of motion and forces to explain how objects interact and move.
Analyze different forms of energy, including light, electricity, and magnetism, and how energy is transferred.
Conduct scientific investigations through laboratory experiments, following procedures and recording observations.
Draw conclusions from experimental data and communicate scientific ideas using appropriate vocabulary.
Grading Policy: 33% based on Study Guide, 34% based on Module Tests (16 tests total), 33% based on Lab Reports
Grading scale: 90-100% = A; 80-89% = B; 70-79% = C; 60-69% = D; >60% = F
Classroom Policies: This is an academic class and as such, there is a large amount of reading to keep up with as well as the homework. Students will be expected to spend between 30 minutes to 60 minutes daily in order to stay on track with the work load. Late work is not accepted without prior instructor approval.
