SEEK High School Curriculum- Physical Science
Class will meet on Tuesdays in 2024 - 2025
Note: This course does not rotate curriculum. A student only needs to take it once.
The main topics covered are:
- What is Physical Science?
- Atoms and the Periodic Table
- Science of Water
- Chemical Equations
- What is Physics?
- Newton’s Laws of Motion
- Buoyance and Atmospheric Pressure
- Science behind Sound
- Reflection and Refraction
- Astronomy
Physical Science Curriculum Outline
AM - What is physical science? In the morning, we will have a pre-test and ice breaker to get to know each other.
PM - We will begin our discussion on what physical science consists of, how science operates, lab and classroom safety, expectations, and the scientific method.
AM - Atoms, atomic theory and the periodic table, periodic table bingo.
PM - Ionic bonds vs covalent bonds. We will do an experiment using salt and sugar to compare the two different bonds.
What makes water so special? We will dive into the science behind water looking at hydrogen bonds, covalent polar vs non-polar bonds.
In the morning we will summarize our time with Chemistry and finish the day learning how to balance and write out chemical equations.
What is physics? This week we will begin kinematics.
Newton's Laws of Motion
AM - Projectile motion, we will put our knowledge to the test with a little Angry Birds in real life!
PM - We will have a lesson on satellite motion (AKA rocket science!)
How do giant cruise ships float? Water boiling without heating? We will discuss buoyance and atmospheric pressure throughout the day.
We will learn the science behind sound. What are our ears truly hearing?
What are we looking at when we see? How does light actually work? We will use refraction/reflection to investigate properties of light.
We will take the morning to learn about astronomy and talk about planets. In the afternoon, we will reflect on the physics portion of our class. We will also cover the post-test and what to expect.
Post-test and time to reflect on the past 12 weeks. We will have graduation in the afternoon.
Be Prepared!
Many times throughout the 12 weeks, we will be outside. Dress appropriately for cold, damp weather.
Grades
Grades will be given at the end of the semester. Each student will receive a grade for the class. Grades will be based off multiple factors.
- 30% Post-Test
- 20% Class Participation
- 30% Lab Notebook
- 20% Quizzes
Pictures and Weekly Reports
Staying up-to-date is important for both the student and the parent. Parents will receive weekly emails detailing what their student did the past week and what to look forward to in the coming week. Email is the best way to reach your instructor if there are questions or concerns.
