Physical Science Session 1: Physics

$260

This class is currently closed for enrollment.

This is Session 1 of 3 in the full year Physical Science Series

PREREQUISITE: There is NO prerequisite for this class, however we will be working with lots of word problems , so completion of prealgebra is recommended. In lieu of that, a firm understanding of manipulation of variables and how to cancel units is required.

Please note: If you enroll in Series 1, you are guaranteed space in the remaining physical science classes as long as you enroll before the deadline for each class.

It is not required, but it is highly recommended that you take these classes in order.

Other classes in the series include:
Session 2: Chemistry
Session 3: Earth Science and Astronomy

CLICK HERE if you want to purchase the full year (3 sessions).

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This is the perfect full year science course for middle schoolers before they delve into high school sciences! This 31 week physical science course will give students a solid foundation in physics, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. With this basic knowledge, students will then be able to enter upper level science courses in these subjects with a serious advantage of already having the basics down, therefore being able to spend more time expanding their knowledge at a higher academic level. This will not be a “fluff” class, or an “overview”- it is an academically rigorous science class.

CLASS FORMAT

No live classes–view lessons on YOUR schedule. In general, expect 1.5-2.5 hours to work through the lesson plan each week, and an additional 2-5 hours working on assignments (it really depends what assignment your child chooses to do and how they manage their time). For classes with two levels, the material is the same for both–the depth of the assignments differs. Younger students should usually be placed in Level 1. Older students, or younger students who want more of a challenge, should be placed in Level 2. Each lesson consists of a fully narrated PowerPoint presentation with images and videos to enhance the topics. Students will have access to our learning management system, Canvas, for viewing their lesson, printing worksheets, taking quizzes, viewing/submitting assignments, participating in discussions, and viewing grades/feedback.

Read more details about class format.

Week 1:

How to “Science”

Week 2:

The Science of Motion

Week 3:

The “Force” Is With You

Week 4:

Work, Machines, and Energy

Week 5:

Heat Energy

Week 6:

Everything Electricity

Week 7:

Opposites Attract! Magnetism

Week 8:

Extracting Energy- Environmental Sources

Week 9:

The Ups and Downs of Wave Energy

Week 10:

Sound Waves

Week 11:

Electromagnetic Waves

Week 12:

Shining a Light on….Light

Week 13:

Reflecting on Mirrors and Lenses

All labs are OPTIONAL and not required to complete the work.

These materials will allow students to follow along with the in-lesson labs.
Students who do not have materials can simply follow along with me in the video.

Week 5 Lab Materials

  • Clear plastic bin
  • Red & Blue Food Coloring
  • Eyedropper or Pipette
  • 6 Styrofoam cups, or similar small, insulated containers (if you can’t get Styrofoam or insulated cups, you can try using regular ones)
  • A blue ice cube (make it by freezing water with food coloring in an ice cube tray)

Week 6 Lab Materials

LAB 1

Balloon

LABS 2, 3, and 4

We’re going to be making circuits. You can buy the parts separately. I will be using this kit from Amazon.

You’ll need all of the components in this kit:

  • 2 D battery holders
  • 2 D batteries
  • wire or alligator clips
  • 2 bulb holders
  • and at least 2 bulbs
  • switch is optional

Also, we’ll be testing insulators and conductors, so you’ll need:

  • a nail
  • aluminum foil
  • cardboard, glass
  • and a piece of plastic

Week 7 Lab Materials

LABS 1 & 2

  • 2 Bar Magnets
  • 1 Horseshoe Magnet
  • 2 Ring Magnets
  • Iron Filings
  • Compass
  • Assorted Pieces of different types of metals (I’ll have iron, aluminum, zinc, and copper)
  • Thin string
  • Everything but the string can be found in THIS KIT

LAB 3

  • 1 AA Batter
  • Uninsulated Copper Wire, about 1.5 feet ( 1/2 m)
  • Electrical Tape
  • Iron Nail
  • Paper Clips

Week 13 Lab Materials

Concave  and Convex  mirrors and a magnifying glass 

If students want to build a funhouse mirror for their homework assignment, they’ll need something like this