Physical Science 20
The Instructor for this course is Chris Knievel
Course History
First Offered in 2014
Developed by Norm Lipinski
Pre-requisite Science 10
The universe began a little more than 13 billion years ago. It started (we think) with a huge flash of energy that is called the Big Bang. Everything in the universe (including Time) was created on that day. Since then the Universe has been getting larger and, as a result, colder, and more empty.
This course is designed to give you the fundamentals of how the Universe operates. Physical Science 20 is primarily about ENERGY. Nothing happens in this universe unless energy is released in some way. That applies to chemical reactions (nuclear reactions will have to wait until Physics 30). Heat and light are manifestations of that energy.
Thus we have the outline of this course:
1. Chemicals and the mathematics of chemical reactions.
2. Heat as a product and indication of a chemical reaction.
3. Light as energy and its behavior as it travels through space and matter.
This course combines elements of Chemistry 20 and Physics 20 in an integrated hands-on manner to investigate concepts related to heating and cooling, the foundations of chemistry, including the mole and quantitative analysis of molecules and chemical reactions, and the characteristics and properties of electromagnetic radiation. An overarching theme is the study of the enterprise of public and private science as it occurs in agriculture, industry, and universities to help students better understand the physical science related career paths. Student inquiry will guide independent investigations of physical science phenomena.
This course will be facilitated with an inquiry focus which will be accomplished through a breadth of learning contexts including: scientific inquiry; technological problem solving; cultural perspectives; and science, technology, society and environmental decision making.
Course Information / Credit Recovery Units
Unit 1 - Foundations of Chemistry
1. Chemical Nomenclature and Chemical Reaction Equations (15 days)
2. The Mole as the Foundation of Quantitative Chemistry (15 days)
3. Gravimetric Stoichiometry (15 days)
OUTCOMES -
FC 1
FC 2
FC 3
Unit 2 - Heat
4. Heat Changes in Physical Reactions (10 days)
5. Heat Changes in Chemical Reactions (10 days)
OUTCOMES -
HT 1
HT 2
Unit 3 - Properties of Waves
6. Types and Characteristics of Waves (14 days)
7. Reflection of Waves (14 days)
8. Refraction of Waves(14 days)
OUTCOMES -
PW 1
PW 2
PW 3
Unit 4 - Career Exploration and Self-directed Study
9. Career Exploration and Self-Directed Study (10 days)
OUTCOMES -
SDS 1
