Physical Science

This course will provide students with an overview of the matter and energy that make up God’s created world. The course will combine introductory concepts from chemistry and physics so that students experience the eternal power and divine nature of God in creation. Topics that will be studied include: matter, the periodic table, elements, mixtures, compounds, chemical reactions, light and electromagnetic spectrum, energy, heat, motion, Newton’s laws, and momentum. This 32-week course includes weekly 1.5-hour class sessions combining demonstration, lecture, and discussion. During the week students will engage in hands-on experimentation that will include documenting findings in lab reports and science journals, opportunities for presentation to the class, and an independent science project in a personal area of interest each 16-week semester.

Course Objectives:

1. Students will be able to identify the processes that govern interactions on Earth in the study of introductory concepts of physics and chemistry in order to articulate the significance of this design in daily life.
2. Students will engage in scientific inquiry and experimentation including gathering, interpreting, and analyzing data.
3. Students will apply concepts to their own interests and communicate their understandings through projects and presentations.
4. Students will investigate the development of the Physical Sciences over time through engagement with primary sources and reflections on current debates.
5. Students will actively explore an area of personal interest and create a method for teaching others about their discoveries.

Texts:

• Novarre Physical Science text - ISBN: 9780998169910

Recommended Laboratory Equipment • General Supplies – Small digital (food) scale, calculator, timer (stopwatch or cell phone timer), meter stick, thermometer that reads from 0-100 degrees Celsius, safety glasses • Lab 1 – toy car, ramp (thin board, sturdy cardboard, car track ramp) • Lab 2 – Styrofoam cups with lid (coffee cup), duct tape, copper wire, aluminum wire, and nylon cord (line used in grass trimmers works well) – 4 feet of each • Lab 3 – Styrofoam cup, fishing line (8 inches), copper wire (8 inches), aluminum foil, 2 small plastic quick clamps • Lab 4 – alum, table salt, Epsom salt, glass jars and bowls, measuring cups and spoons, magnifying glass, fishing line, weight, pencil, distilled water • Lab 5 – measuring cups, Styrofoam cup, tongs/hot gloves, ice cubes • Lab 6 – magnetic map compass, insulated wire with alligator clips, 6-volt lattern battery