Physical Science A - Greenways Academy
Syllabus
Physical Science A Course Overview Physical science is part physics and part chemistry. It’s a branch of science that deals with matter, energy, forces, and motion. In this course, you will identify and describe the chemical composition and properties of substances. Additionally, you will study the interactions between matter and energy in physical contexts. Throughout the course, you will apply your reasoning skills through investigation and the principles of the scientific method. As you might expect, measurement and data collection play an important role.
Course Goals By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:
Identify and measure properties of matter. Work with units and equations that define properties of matter. Give examples of atoms, elements, compounds, and mixtures. Identify the parts of an atom. Evaluate physical and chemical properties of a substance. Explain how various substances behave given certain conditions. Describe the phases of matter and the energy necessary to change phases. Classify the behavior of an element according to its position in the periodic table. Distinguish between types of atomic bonds and between the types of compounds they form. Classify substances as acids, bases, or salts. Identify examples of mixtures and solutions. Balance simple equations to demonstrate conservation of mass for a chemical reaction. Use the scientific method to perform an experiment. Distinguish between variable and controlled parameters in an experiment.
General Skills To participate in this course, you should be able to do the following:
Complete basic operations with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
1 © 2013 EDMENTUM, INC.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses, refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at the beginning of this course.
Credit Value Physical Science A is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
Notebook Basic calculator Computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones Microsoft Word or equivalent
Course Pacing Guide This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you keep on schedule with your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: Properties and Structures of Matter Summary In this unit, you will learn that matter is something that takes up space and has distinct physical and chemical properties. You will practice measuring these properties and identifying the states of matter. Day 1 day: 1 7 days: 2–8
Activity/Objective
Type
Syllabus and Plato Student Orientation Review the Plato Student Orientation and Course Syllabus at the beginning of this course.
Course Orientation
Understanding and Measuring Matter
Courseware
Match characteristics of matter or those that affect matter (volume, mass, density, and temperature) to their definition or description. Match forces that act on matter (pressure, buoyancy, and weight) to their definition or descriptions. Identify the appropriate units or equations to describe, define, or study various aspects of matter (length, weight, density, volume, etc.). Distinguish between or identify examples of volume, mass, density, pressure, temperature and buoyancy. Identify examples of different forces affecting matter from 2
3 days: 9–11
illustrations. Identify examples of different ways of measuring matter from illustrations. Determine whether or why/why not a measurement of matter was made correctly. Predict the outcome of a change in mass or volume on density. Predict whether an object will sink or float given information about density or buoyancy.
Mathematical Expression: Volume
Offline
Apply the relationship of mass, volume, and density to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic equation given the two remaining items.
3 days:
Mathematical Expression: Density
12–14
Apply the relationship of mass, volume, and density to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic equation given the two remaining items.
3 days:
Mathematical Expression: Force
15–17
Apply the relationship of area, pressure, and force to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic expression given the two remaining terms.
7 days:
Atoms, Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
18–24
Match atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures with their definition or description.
Identify or match parts of an atom (protons, neutrons, electrons) and the charge that they hold.
Identify or match the meanings of mass number, atomic number, isotopes, and atomic mass to their descriptions.
Identify examples of atomic particles given illustrations and descriptions of charges (or lack thereof for neutrons).
Distinguish between examples of atomic mass, atomic number, and mass number given a specific element.
Identify or distinguish between examples of atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures.
Distinguish between isotopes of the same type of element and atoms of different elements.
Distinguish between examples of heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures given examples/illustrations.
Offline
Offline
3
Courseware
7 days:
Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
25–31
Distinguish between physical and chemical, properties and changes as well as differentiate evidence for those changes.
Predict or explain ways to separate mixtures and compounds.
Evaluate information about physical and/or chemical properties to determine the identity of a substance.
7 days:
Identifying Matter
32–38
Evaluate data on different physical and chemical properties of matter to determine the identity of unknown substances.
Explain why various substances behave differently under specific conditions.
Courseware
Offline
7 days:
States of Matter
39–45
Distinguish between examples of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas based on descriptions of whether or not they change shape and/or volume.
Distinguish between examples of melting, vaporization (evaporation or sublimation), freezing & condensation.
Predict what will happen to molecular motion and attraction between particles or temperature during a phase change (solid liquid- gas) from one state to another.
Predict whether an object will expand or contract (or explain why) when energy is added or removed.
Predict whether energy must be added or removed to cause or prevent a change in state.
Choose an example of a phase change (melting, evaporation, sublimation, freezing or condensation) resulting from adding or removing energy to a state of matter.
Courseware
7 days:
The Periodic Table
46–52
Identify examples of periodicity given real-world occurrences (as a basis for understanding the periodic nature of the periodic table).
Distinguish between elements based on their number of protons (atomic number), number of electrons (= # protons in electrically neutral atoms), or atomic masses given element tags from the periodic table.
Distinguish between elements in the solid, liquid, and gas state under standard conditions, or identify examples of specific elements based on metallic/metalloid/nonmetal information on their element tags.
Distinguish between or identify examples of elements in the same periods or groups.
Courseware
4
1 day:
Predict which groups of elements will be more or less likely to react as you move across a period in the periodic table.
Predict whether an unknown element would be classified as a metal, nonmetal or metalloid given examples with specific properties.
Predict the relative position (group or period) of an unknown element on the periodic table given a relative number of protons or electrons, mass, and metallic properties etc.
Posttest—Unit 1
Assessment
53
Unit 2: Chemistry Fundamentals Summary In this unit, you will focus on the basic aspects of chemistry including types of chemical bonds and reactions. You’ll learn how to apply the scientific method when conducting an experiment to test a hypothesis. Day
Activity/Objective
7 days:
Bonding and Types of Compounds
54–60
Distinguish between or identify examples of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
Distinguish between ionic compounds, covalent compounds, and metals.
Distinguish between or identify examples of organic and inorganic compounds.
Distinguish between acids, bases, and salts.
Predict how the electron configuration of one or more elements affects the types of bonds they form (ionic, covalent, or metallic) or why bonds will form.
Given information about the position of 2 elements in the periodic table, predict the types of bonds they will form.
Given information about the types of bonds that form a compound, predict the general properties or behaviors of the compound.
7 days:
Mixtures and Solutions
61–67
Distinguish between examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures given information about a mixture’s contents and/or how substances are mixed.
Distinguish between or identify examples of the solute and solvent 5
Type Courseware
Courseware
in different types of solutions.
Discriminate between or identify examples of acidic, basic or neutral substances given information about pH as measured by an indicator.
Determine whether a given substance will be soluble or insoluble in a solvent given information about the polarity of both solvent and solute.
Predict whether a solute will form a saturated, unsaturated or supersaturated solution given information about the solvent and the solubility of the solute.
Given a solution concentration, select the correct amount of solute or solvent in a given volume of the solution.
Given examples of changes in temperature, stirring, or surface area, predict how the dissolving rate of a solution will be affected.
7 days:
Chemical Reactions
68–74
Identify examples of chemical reactions (based on signs of reactions or chemical equations).
Differentiate or distinguish between items necessary in chemical equations given information about a specific chemical reaction.
Distinguish between the following types of reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, combustion, and acid-base.
Distinguish between examples of exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Given a specific reaction, predict products that will form.
Balance simple equations demonstrating conservation of mass or apply conservation of mass to predict quantities of reactants or products.
Predict how certain factors (temperature, increasing/decreasing surface area, catalysts/inhibitors, concentration, etc.) influence rates of reactions.
7 days: 75–81
Courseware
Scientific Method: Effects of Acidity on the Spoilage Rate of Fruit
Use the scientific method to perform an experiment to test the effects of lemon juice on the rate at which different types of fruit turn brown.
Make a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, graph data, evaluate the data, report the results, and make a conclusion that supports or rejects the hypothesis.
6
Webtivity
6 days:
Controls and Variables
82–87
Distinguish between variable and controlled parameters in various experiments.
1 day:
Posttest—Unit 2
Offline
Assessment
88 1 day:
Semester Review
89 1 day:
End-of-Semester Test
Assessment
90
7
Physical Science A Course Overview Physical science is part physics and part chemistry. It’s a branch of science that deals with matter, energy, forces, and motion. In this course, you will identify and describe the chemical composition and properties of substances. Additionally, you will study the interactions between matter and energy in physical contexts. Throughout the course, you will apply your reasoning skills through investigation and the principles of the scientific method. As you might expect, measurement and data collection play an important role.
Course Goals By the end of this course, you will be able to do the following:
Identify and measure properties of matter. Work with units and equations that define properties of matter. Give examples of atoms, elements, compounds, and mixtures. Identify the parts of an atom. Evaluate physical and chemical properties of a substance. Explain how various substances behave given certain conditions. Describe the phases of matter and the energy necessary to change phases. Classify the behavior of an element according to its position in the periodic table. Distinguish between types of atomic bonds and between the types of compounds they form. Classify substances as acids, bases, or salts. Identify examples of mixtures and solutions. Balance simple equations to demonstrate conservation of mass for a chemical reaction. Use the scientific method to perform an experiment. Distinguish between variable and controlled parameters in an experiment.
General Skills To participate in this course, you should be able to do the following:
Complete basic operations with word processing software, such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Perform online research using various search engines and library databases.
1 © 2013 EDMENTUM, INC.
For a complete list of general skills that are required for participation in online courses, refer to the Prerequisites section of the Plato Student Orientation document, found at the beginning of this course.
Credit Value Physical Science A is a 0.5-credit course.
Course Materials
Notebook Basic calculator Computer with Internet connection and speakers or headphones Microsoft Word or equivalent
Course Pacing Guide This course description and pacing guide is intended to help you keep on schedule with your work. Note that your course instructor may modify the schedule to meet the specific needs of your class.
Unit 1: Properties and Structures of Matter Summary In this unit, you will learn that matter is something that takes up space and has distinct physical and chemical properties. You will practice measuring these properties and identifying the states of matter. Day 1 day: 1 7 days: 2–8
Activity/Objective
Type
Syllabus and Plato Student Orientation Review the Plato Student Orientation and Course Syllabus at the beginning of this course.
Course Orientation
Understanding and Measuring Matter
Courseware
Match characteristics of matter or those that affect matter (volume, mass, density, and temperature) to their definition or description. Match forces that act on matter (pressure, buoyancy, and weight) to their definition or descriptions. Identify the appropriate units or equations to describe, define, or study various aspects of matter (length, weight, density, volume, etc.). Distinguish between or identify examples of volume, mass, density, pressure, temperature and buoyancy. Identify examples of different forces affecting matter from 2
3 days: 9–11
illustrations. Identify examples of different ways of measuring matter from illustrations. Determine whether or why/why not a measurement of matter was made correctly. Predict the outcome of a change in mass or volume on density. Predict whether an object will sink or float given information about density or buoyancy.
Mathematical Expression: Volume
Offline
Apply the relationship of mass, volume, and density to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic equation given the two remaining items.
3 days:
Mathematical Expression: Density
12–14
Apply the relationship of mass, volume, and density to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic equation given the two remaining items.
3 days:
Mathematical Expression: Force
15–17
Apply the relationship of area, pressure, and force to determine a missing quantity in a mathematic expression given the two remaining terms.
7 days:
Atoms, Elements, Compounds and Mixtures
18–24
Match atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures with their definition or description.
Identify or match parts of an atom (protons, neutrons, electrons) and the charge that they hold.
Identify or match the meanings of mass number, atomic number, isotopes, and atomic mass to their descriptions.
Identify examples of atomic particles given illustrations and descriptions of charges (or lack thereof for neutrons).
Distinguish between examples of atomic mass, atomic number, and mass number given a specific element.
Identify or distinguish between examples of atoms, elements, compounds and mixtures.
Distinguish between isotopes of the same type of element and atoms of different elements.
Distinguish between examples of heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures given examples/illustrations.
Offline
Offline
3
Courseware
7 days:
Physical and Chemical Properties of Matter
25–31
Distinguish between physical and chemical, properties and changes as well as differentiate evidence for those changes.
Predict or explain ways to separate mixtures and compounds.
Evaluate information about physical and/or chemical properties to determine the identity of a substance.
7 days:
Identifying Matter
32–38
Evaluate data on different physical and chemical properties of matter to determine the identity of unknown substances.
Explain why various substances behave differently under specific conditions.
Courseware
Offline
7 days:
States of Matter
39–45
Distinguish between examples of solids, liquids, gases, and plasmas based on descriptions of whether or not they change shape and/or volume.
Distinguish between examples of melting, vaporization (evaporation or sublimation), freezing & condensation.
Predict what will happen to molecular motion and attraction between particles or temperature during a phase change (solid liquid- gas) from one state to another.
Predict whether an object will expand or contract (or explain why) when energy is added or removed.
Predict whether energy must be added or removed to cause or prevent a change in state.
Choose an example of a phase change (melting, evaporation, sublimation, freezing or condensation) resulting from adding or removing energy to a state of matter.
Courseware
7 days:
The Periodic Table
46–52
Identify examples of periodicity given real-world occurrences (as a basis for understanding the periodic nature of the periodic table).
Distinguish between elements based on their number of protons (atomic number), number of electrons (= # protons in electrically neutral atoms), or atomic masses given element tags from the periodic table.
Distinguish between elements in the solid, liquid, and gas state under standard conditions, or identify examples of specific elements based on metallic/metalloid/nonmetal information on their element tags.
Distinguish between or identify examples of elements in the same periods or groups.
Courseware
4
1 day:
Predict which groups of elements will be more or less likely to react as you move across a period in the periodic table.
Predict whether an unknown element would be classified as a metal, nonmetal or metalloid given examples with specific properties.
Predict the relative position (group or period) of an unknown element on the periodic table given a relative number of protons or electrons, mass, and metallic properties etc.
Posttest—Unit 1
Assessment
53
Unit 2: Chemistry Fundamentals Summary In this unit, you will focus on the basic aspects of chemistry including types of chemical bonds and reactions. You’ll learn how to apply the scientific method when conducting an experiment to test a hypothesis. Day
Activity/Objective
7 days:
Bonding and Types of Compounds
54–60
Distinguish between or identify examples of ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds.
Distinguish between ionic compounds, covalent compounds, and metals.
Distinguish between or identify examples of organic and inorganic compounds.
Distinguish between acids, bases, and salts.
Predict how the electron configuration of one or more elements affects the types of bonds they form (ionic, covalent, or metallic) or why bonds will form.
Given information about the position of 2 elements in the periodic table, predict the types of bonds they will form.
Given information about the types of bonds that form a compound, predict the general properties or behaviors of the compound.
7 days:
Mixtures and Solutions
61–67
Distinguish between examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures given information about a mixture’s contents and/or how substances are mixed.
Distinguish between or identify examples of the solute and solvent 5
Type Courseware
Courseware
in different types of solutions.
Discriminate between or identify examples of acidic, basic or neutral substances given information about pH as measured by an indicator.
Determine whether a given substance will be soluble or insoluble in a solvent given information about the polarity of both solvent and solute.
Predict whether a solute will form a saturated, unsaturated or supersaturated solution given information about the solvent and the solubility of the solute.
Given a solution concentration, select the correct amount of solute or solvent in a given volume of the solution.
Given examples of changes in temperature, stirring, or surface area, predict how the dissolving rate of a solution will be affected.
7 days:
Chemical Reactions
68–74
Identify examples of chemical reactions (based on signs of reactions or chemical equations).
Differentiate or distinguish between items necessary in chemical equations given information about a specific chemical reaction.
Distinguish between the following types of reactions: synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, combustion, and acid-base.
Distinguish between examples of exothermic and endothermic reactions.
Given a specific reaction, predict products that will form.
Balance simple equations demonstrating conservation of mass or apply conservation of mass to predict quantities of reactants or products.
Predict how certain factors (temperature, increasing/decreasing surface area, catalysts/inhibitors, concentration, etc.) influence rates of reactions.
7 days: 75–81
Courseware
Scientific Method: Effects of Acidity on the Spoilage Rate of Fruit
Use the scientific method to perform an experiment to test the effects of lemon juice on the rate at which different types of fruit turn brown.
Make a hypothesis, test the hypothesis, graph data, evaluate the data, report the results, and make a conclusion that supports or rejects the hypothesis.
6
Webtivity
6 days:
Controls and Variables
82–87
Distinguish between variable and controlled parameters in various experiments.
1 day:
Posttest—Unit 2
Offline
Assessment
88 1 day:
Semester Review
89 1 day:
End-of-Semester Test
Assessment
90
7
