| Course Description:
The eighth grade Physical Science course is an introduction into
chemistry and physics. In order to fully understand and appreciate these
topics, we will explore concepts that students can observe first-hand, such
as phases of matter, chemical reactions, Newton’s laws, and simple
machines.
The class will focus on how chemistry and physics continue to influence the
world around us. We will travel outside the classroom to observe chemistry
and physics in the natural world.
The class will require written work in the form of homework, lab reports,
research papers, quizzes, and tests. Students will also be asked to
complete a Science Bazaar Project during the second trimester.
Teaching Methods:
This exploration will take the form of class lectures, hands-on
activities, laboratory experiments, class discussions, and field trips in
the 100-acre woods. A significant portion of the second trimester will be
spent researching and writing the Science Bazaar paper, and then creating
and presenting a project for the school-wide Science Bazaar event.
Sample Outline of Topics
* Physical Science units of measure and laboratory procedures
* The study of matter
* The periodic table of elements
* Chemical Reactions
* Introduction to Physics (such as forces and simple machines)
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