Physical Science Syllabus

TEXT:  Basic Science for Christian Schools, John Jenkins and George Mulfinger  

 

INSTRUCTOR: Mr. Roy Lanier, Jr.

 

MATERIALS REQUIRED:  Textbook, calculator, protractor, ruler, pencils, graph paper.

 

A. Course Content

 

Chapter                        Time(periods)               Topics

1. Science and the          6                     Define key terms and compare viewpoints. 

     Bible 

 

2. The Scientific             6                     Discuss the processes of a scientific method and define the  

    Method                                            steps of this method. 

 

3. Measurement of         11                   Discuss the measurement of matter, and make and use

    Matter                                              measurements in classroom. 

 

4.  The Properties          10                   Define the states of matter and discuss the properties of            

     of Matter                                         each.  Demonstrate the characteristics in the classroom. 

 

5.  The Classification      7                     Discuss three classes of matter—elements, compounds and

     of Matter                                         mixtures.  Learn the differences in these. 

 

6. Models of                  10                   Discuss the development of today’s atomic model.  Show

    Atoms                                              “steps” that resulted in today’s concept of the atom.  Define energy levels, atomic mass and atomic number of atoms. 

7. Families of                  8                    Define the Periodic Table and discuss its development. 

    Atoms                                               Discuss the groups and families of the table. 

 

8. Forces Between          10                 Discuss the three types of atomic bonding and what deter-

    Atoms                                              mines each. 

 

12. Machines                 9                     Define forces, work, motion, power and the simple machines that make work easier.

                                                           

13. Mechanics.              7                     Define and experiment with key concepts of motion,                                       

                                                             velocity, acceleration and Newton’s laws of motion.

14. Energy                     6                     Define energy and discuss the forms of energy.  Discuss

and analyze the Conservation Laws related to energy.  

                                                           

15. Heat                         8                    Define thermal energy and the kinetic theory of thermal

                                                            energy.  Discuss methods of transfer of thermal energy. 

 

16. Electricity                 10                   Discuss static and current electricity and their properties. 

                                                            Present Ohms Law and build simple circuit.  Calculate

                                                            current, voltage, resistance and power of circuit. 

 

17. Magnetism               7                     Discuss the property of magnets and the relationship of

                                                            electricity and magnetism.  Demonstrate magnetic prop-

                                                            erties and devices. 

 

18. Vibrations                7                     Discuss the types of waves and their properties.  Develop

                                                            and apply the equations that model vibrations.  Discuss the

                                                            electromagnetic spectrum. 

 

19. Sound                      8                     Discuss the properties of different sounds and its

                                                            applications. 

 

20. Light                        10                   Discuss the visible light spectrum, the speed of light and

                                                            the properties of light.  

 

 

B. Grading.

 

There will be assignments daily, quizzes frequently; occasional lab reports, chapter tests at the end of most chapters, and final exams.  In addition to these each student will be required to develop a Science Project to submit to judges in a formal setting.  This Project will be a significant part of the grade in Physical Science, especially in the 1st Semester when most of the work will be required.  The value of each of these activities toward your final grade is as follows:

 

Homework; 10%--full credit given only if submitted on time (-10% for each day late or a zero if not turned in prior to chapter test), Quizzes; 10%, and (1st Semester):  Tests; 65%, Science Project; 15% of daily grade, (2nd Semester):  Tests; 65%, Lab Reports and Science Project; 15% of daily grade.  Final Exam; 20% of overall grade.  You may be exempt from the final exam if your grade meets the school criteria.

 

C. Class Conduct:

 

1. BE REVERENT (God created and sustains you.  Your very breath depends on Him.  Col. 1:16, 17.)

 

2. BE PREPARED (mentally and physically) Have your text, paper, pencil, ruler, calculator and brain (thinking cap) upon arrival.

 

3. BE ON TIME (Class starts when tardy bell rings, assignments are due at the beginning of class each day.  Col. 3:23.)   

 

4. BE RESPECTFUL (To God, your neighbor, your teachers, your school and yourself.  We are created in the image of God; we are stewards of the possessions that He has entrusted to us.)

 

5. BE RESPONSIBLE (For yourself, for all of the above.  The devil did not make you do it—

   I Cor. 10:13.)

 

 

D. Help!

 

If anyone does not understand an assignment or a topic please let me know so that I can give you some one-on-one assistance during a study hall or other available time.  You must not get behind.  Your homework must be turned in on time.  You can do it and I expect you to!

 

E. Special

           

Physical Science is an introduction to Physics and Chemistry and, as such, deals with things that we see and use and experience every day.  No math higher than Algebra I will be required.    If you will think about science in these daily things, you will learn much and will find Physics and Chemistry easy when you take them.