Physical Science – Honors
Recommended Prerequisite or Co-requisite: Algebra I
Grades Offered: 9-12
Credit ½ - 1
SDE Course Code: 3202
MNPS Course Code: SCI6105
Course Description: Students will study introductory chemistry and physics. This course covers fundamental and in-depth concepts such as: force, motion, interactions of matter, energy, structure and properties of matter. Students learn the relationships between science and technology, and how science affects all life. Hands-on laboratory investigations, individual studies and group activities should constitute a major portion of the learning experience. Conservation of matter and energy is an underlying theme throughout the course. Physical Science will provide the knowledge, prerequisite skills and habits of mind needed for problem solving and ethical decision-making about matters of scientific and technological concern. A strong emphasis is placed on mathematical approaches to chemistry and physics. Students will be administered the Physical Science end-of-course test at the conclusion of this course.
Honors Courses: Honors courses to be eligible to receive the addition of three points to the grades used to calculate the semester average must substantially exceed the content standards, learning expectations, and performance indicators as approved by the State Board of Education.
Framework of Standards for Honors Courses: All honors courses must include multiple assessments exemplifying coursework (such as short answer, constructed–response prompts, performance-based tasks, open-ended questions, essays, original or creative interpretations, authentic products, portfolios, and analytical writing. Additionally the honors course shall include these four following components:
1. Projects that apply course curriculum to relevant or real world situations. These may include oral presentations, power point presentations, or other modes of sharing findings. (Connection of the project to the community is strongly encouraged.)
2. Open-ended investigations in which the student selects the questions and designs the research.
3. Integration of appropriate technology into the course of study. Suggested technology includes but is not limited to:
a. Microscopy and or use of Flexible Camera Apparatus
b. Computer probes and or sensors
c. Calculator probes and or sensors
d. Digital microscopy
e. Internet
f. Laboratory equipment
4. Extensive opportunities for problem solving experiences through imagination, critical analysis, and application.
Additionally, select at least one or more component.
5. Extended reading assignments that connect with the specified curriculum.
6. Research-based writing assignments that address and extend the course curriculum.
7. Writing assignments that demonstrate a variety of modes purposes and styles.
· Examples of modes include narrative, descriptive, persuasive, expository, and expressive.
· Examples of purpose include to inform, entertain, and persuade.
· Examples of style include formal, informal, literary, analytical, and technical.
8. Deeper exploration of the culture, values, and history of the discipline (ethical implications of technology).
9. Job shadowing experiences with presentations which connect class study to the world of work.
Course of Study:
- Measurements and Calculations
o Distinguish between accuracy and precision
o Create data table and graphs from experimental data
o Analyze data by computing a percentage error
o Record measurements and results of calculations using the correct number of significant figures
o Use conversions factors dimensional analysis and ration and proportions to convert between quantities
o Express large and small numbers using scientific notations and perform calculations in scientific notations
- Properties of Matter
- distinguish between physical and chemical properties of matter
- investigate how matter can be separated and identified
- analyze physical characteristics of matter (e.g. melting point, boiling point, density, color, solubility, odor and flammability)
- experiment with various substances to investigate pH, acidic, and basic properties
- compare and contrast pure substances and mixtures
- distinguish between elements and compounds
- compare and contrast heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures
- Structure of Matter
- research and compare current and historical models of the atom
- describe and provide examples for the Law of Conservation of Energy
- build models to represent various atoms, including subatomic particles, electron configuration and valence electrons
- explain various trends and properties (e.g. family names, ionic charge, size, mass, type of matter, state of matter) of elements using the periodic table
- compare and contrast covalent, ionic and metallic bonding
- write formulas for common compounds and symbols for familiar elements
- Interactions of Matter
- writes chemical reactions identifying reactants and products
- explains differences between chemical and physical changes in matter
- uses the Law of Conservation of Mass to balance chemical equations
- investigates chemical properties such as combustion, oxidation and acid-base reactions
- writes and identifies the four types of chemical reactions (synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, and double displacement)
- compares and contrasts exothermic and endothermic reactions
- identifies the solute and solvent in a solid, liquid, or gaseous solution, given its composition
- classifies a solution as a saturated, unsaturated, or supersaturated, given the composition of the solution and a solubility graph
o explain and predict the motion of objects using Newton’s Laws of Motion
o explains the relationship between varying gravitational force to mass and distance
o discusses the generation of power, work, and energy as they relate to living and non-living things
- Energy
- gives examples of energy conversions
- identifies wave characteristics (e.g. trough, crest, amplitude, frequency)
- solves problems involving wave speed, frequency and length
- compares and contrasts transverse and longitudinal waves
- compares and contrasts the characteristics of sound and light
- explains the kinetic theory of motion
- describes and cites examples of conduction, convection and radiation
- investigates the relationship between electricity and magnetism
- designs and creates series and parallel circuits
- uses Ohm’s Law to calculate voltage, current and resistance
- identifies products of nuclear decay
- compares and contrasts nuclear fission and fusion
Standards:
MNPS standards for Physical science can be accessed at:
http://www.mnps.org/PageFactory.aspx?PageID=3353
State Physical science standards can be found at: http://www.state.tn.us/education/ci/cistandards2001/sci/cisciphysicalscience.htm
Textbook: Science Spectrum: A Physical Approach; Holt, Rinehart and Winston
Reading: In addition to the use of the textbook, students are expected to read from a variety of sources including essays, studies, newspapers/periodicals, charts, graphs, science cartoons, and other documents. Students are expected to gain literal understandings of readings and also interpret, analyze, and evaluate information from readings.
Writing: Students are expected to write regularly and effectively in various domains including: descriptive, persuasive, analytical, and practical. Suggested written assignments include: essays, journals, lab reports, and research papers.
Recommended/Required Resources:
- Laboratory facility with access to a source of water, electricity and natural gas for lab equipment; required
- Access to computers that are web-accessible; required
- Computer-based probe ware such as light sensors, motion detectors, temperature probes, pH meters, etc; recommended
- Various types of lab equipment and apparatus for inquiry investigations; required
Additional Websites and Resources:
www.internet4classrooms.com/eoc_physci.htm
www.sciencegeek.com
http://www.brainpop.com