Middle School Physics - Course Syllabus 2026-2027
Instructor: Randy Hernandez
Email: randy@class-source.com
Grade Level: 6th-8th 
Class Time: TBD
Course Duration: Full Year
Lab Fee: $50
 
Course Description
Students explore foundational physics through observation, measurement, problem-solving, and hands-on labs. Topics include motion, forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, and basic engineering design, highlighting the order and consistency of God’s creation.
 
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Describe motion qualitatively and quantitatively (speed, velocity, acceleration).
Explain Newton’s laws with real-world examples.
Apply basic energy ideas (work, power, kinetic/potential, conservation conceptually).
Describe properties of matter and basic atomic structure.
Distinguish elements/compounds/mixtures and explain simple chemical reactions.
Explain waves (sound/light basics) and identify key wave properties.
Build and analyze simple electrical circuits and basic magnetism.
Connect physical science concepts to everyday technology and stewardship.
 
Required Curriculum & Materials
Primary Text (Novare)
Student Supplies
Notebook or binder (dedicated to this course)
Graph paper (or printed templates)
Pencil, ruler, colored pencils (optional)
Basic calculator
 
Novare Physical Science (Student Text)
 
 
Classroom Expectations
Respect for God, Others, and the Classroom
Treat all with dignity and respect; follow directions promptly.
Technology Use
Devices may only be used when permitted; misuse results in loss of privilege.
Academic Integrity
Cheating, plagiarism, or copying (including uncredited AI use) is not permitted.
 
Grading Policy
Tests & Quizzes — 35%
Labs & Lab Reports — 30%
Homework/Classwork — 25%
Participation/Notebook Checks — 10%
 
Grading Scale:
A: 90–100% | B: 80–89% | C: 70–79% | D: 60–69% | F: below 60%
 
Weekly Pacing Guide
 
Quarter 1 (Weeks 1–9)
1 Course intro; lab safety; measurement; SI units; graphing
2 Scientific method; variables; data quality; simple experiments
3 Motion: distance vs displacement; speed calculations
4 Velocity and acceleration (concept + gentle math)
5 Newton’s 1st Law; inertia demonstrations
6 Newton’s 2nd Law; F=ma practice + lab
7 Newton’s 3rd Law; momentum/impulse concepts (intro)
8 Forces: friction, gravity, normal force; free-body diagrams (basic)
9 Quarter Exam + Lab Practical (measurement/graphing)
 
Quarter 2 (Weeks 10–18)
10 Work and power (conceptual + simple computations)
11 Kinetic vs potential energy; energy transformations lab
12 Conservation of energy (conceptual); real-world losses (heat/sound)
13 Simple machines; mechanical advantage; hands-on stations
14 Matter: states, properties, density; density lab
15 Atomic structure (intro); elements; periodic table basics
16 Compounds/mixtures; solutions; separation methods lab
17 Review week + short project (poster or model)
18 Semester Exam (written) + short lab write-up 
Quarter 3 (Weeks 19–27)
19 Chemical change vs physical change; evidence of reactions
20 Intro to chemical equations (conceptual); balancing (light)
21 Acids/bases basics; pH concept; safe indicator lab (teacher-led)
22 Heat & temperature; conduction/convection/radiation lab
23 Waves: vocabulary; amplitude/wavelength/frequency
24 Sound waves: pitch/volume; resonance lab
25 Light: reflection/refraction; mirrors/lenses demos
26 Review + cumulative practice (graphing + word problems)
27 Quarter Exam + performance task (CER conclusion)
 
Quarter 4 (Weeks 28–36)
28 Static electricity; charge; safety and real-world examples
29 Electric current/voltage/resistance (intro, Ohm’s law light)
30 Circuits: series vs parallel; build-and-test lab
31 Electrical power and energy use; household applications
32 Magnetism; electromagnets; motors/generators concepts
33 Review of “big ideas” (forces/energy/matter/waves/circuits)
34 Capstone build week (design challenge + data)
35 Capstone presentations + final review
36 Final Exam (written) + Lab Practical (circuits/measurement)
 
Note on Pacing
This schedule serves as a guide. The pace and topics may be adjusted at the instructor’s discretion to ensure student mastery.