Physical ScienceCourse Description

www.NexGenAcademy.org 2018-2019

Welcome! This is an introductory laboratory science course which teaches lab skills, the metric system, observing and collecting data, measuring, graphing, and using scientific equations. The first semester focuses on introductory-level Chemistry and the second semester on introductory-level Physics. Prerequisites: By 8th/9th grade, the student should have completed – or be enrolled in – Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1.

Technical requirements: Access to a computer with Internet connection, a scientific calculator in the range of $10-20, and safety glasses. Lab coats are provided.

Instructor: Kris Johanson, M.S. kjohanson@san.rr.com. I am available throughout the week to answer questions about your homework or the study topics.

Textbook: For this class you may use either 1) BJU The Physical World, or 2) Holt Physical Science. You don’t need to buy a lab manual. I will provide lab protocols as needed throughout the course.

Course Outline LabsSemester 1: Intro to chemistryUnit 1 – Measurement Measurement labUnit 2 – States of Matter Make & test Iron and Sulfur compoundsUnit 3 – Classification of matter Make & test OxygenUnit 4 – The Atom Make & test HydrogenUnit 5 – Periodic table Make & test Carbon DioxideUnit 6 – Chemical bonding Make & test Nitrogen compoundsUnit 7 – Chemical reactions Make & test Chlorine & Halogen compoundsUnit 8 – Solutions Make & test Copper compoundsUnit 9 – Acids, bases, salts Acids & Bases labSemester 2: Intro to physicsUnit 10 – Energy Impromptu Design lab IUnit 11 – Kinetics Forces & Motions labUnit 12 – Work and machines Simple Machines labUnit 13 – Fluid mechanics Impromptu Design lab IIUnit 14 – Heat & temperature Thermodynamics labUnit 15 – Electricity DC Circuits labUnit 16 – Magnetism Electromagnetism lab

Physical ScienceCourse Description

www.NexGenAcademy.org 2018-2019

Unit 17 – Sound waves Sound labUnit 18 – Electromagnetism DC motor build lab

HomeworkThe homework for this class alternates from week to week between the lab write-ups and typical end-of-chapter homework problems. We go over the homework problems carefully during the online webinar sessions. Students should skim the chapter ahead of class and be prepared to take notes and participate in discussion. Estimated homework and study time for Physical Science is 30-45 minutes per day.

Teaching PedagogyThe course uses a combination of hands-on labs, classroom instruction, and customized Internet homework videos. During classes there is typically much lively discussion, and class cohesiveness and positive student-student interaction is encouraged over the course of the year.

ExamsThe Physical Science class does not have exams.

Course Requirements Attend the classes (including both in-person and webinar sessions). Be on time. Take notes and ask relevant questions during the lectures Participate in the class labs Turn in your homework assignments by the due date Don’t fall behind in your work. Do not procrastinate!

Grading Policy Your work will be graded on a point system. Your total points earned will be divided by total points possible and converted to a percentage as shown:

Grading Scale Grading Elementsabove 90% A: advanced Class participation 33%89 – 80% B: proficient Labs 33%79 – 70% C: basic Weekly homework 34%69 – 60% D: below basic Midterm & Final n/aBelow 60% F: far below basic Total 100%

Timely completion of the required assignments is a basic requirement. Assignments turned in early will receive a “bonus incentive”. Assignments turned in later than the due date will receive a reduced grade.

Progress ReportingDetailed student progress reports are emailed to parents at the end of each semester.