Course Prerequisites:  Algebra I and Biology

Textbooks: Physical Science, Merrill, 1995

ChemFinder

Chemistry WebBook

Wilton High Chemistry Web Resources

ChemTeam

High School Chem Hub

Office:  Greenville High Academy, Room 305

Email:  dmichaelsimmons@hotmail.com

Biography:  BS in Secondary Education, Bob Jones University;  MEd in Secondary Education, University of SC, NBPTS Candidate.  Greenville High Academy Science Teacher for 14 years.

The Physics Portal

DC Physics

UPenn Physics

1. Chapter Submissions: 35%
2. Journal 35%
3. Midterm: 10%
4. Semester Exam 20%

Modules

1. The Nature of Science
2. Physical Science Methods
3. Solids, Liquids, and Gases
4. Classification of Matter
5. Atomic Structure

Modules

6. Chemical Bonds
7. Elements and Their Properties
8. Solutions
9. Chemical Reactions
10. Acids and Bases

Modules

11. Moving Objects
12. Acceleration and Momentum
13. Energy
14. Simple Machines
15. Waves and Sound

Modules

16. Light
17. Mirrors and Lenses
18. Electricity
19. Magnetism

• Contained in a one to one-and-a-half inch 3-ring binder.
• Chapter work should be separated by dividers (about 24 dividers needed).
• All labs should be in a separate divider in the back of your journal.
• Journals are checked every Friday.   Journals should be left on your desk during the lab.
• The Friday grades for your journal will be averaged for a component grade composing 35% of your course grade.

Title of Lab

1. Purpose - State the purpose of the lab.
2. Materials - List the materials/equipment used in the lab.
3. Procedure - Explain step-by-step what you and your partners did in this lab
4. Data - Record the data collected in the lab. This may include tables, graphs, measurements, observations, etc.
5. Conclusions - Answer any questions provided and answer the question "What have I learned in this activity?"

• Other labs will use worksheets which you simply fill out and turn in. You will design several labs and follow a given write-up procedure.
• You will be assigned to work in lab groups. You must work together with your lab partners as a unified team. Every member of the group must participate and provide input. Measurements and observations must be made by several members to avoid careless errors. Each person must complete a lab write-up.
• A copy of the lab must go in your journal. 
• All lab activities will be completed at Greenville High Academy in room 305.

1. Write a hypothesis in testable and measurable forms (IA1).
2. List all variables in a controlled experiment (IA2).
3. Write the steps in a scientific investigation in the area of study (IB1).
4. List the appropriate equipment used to conduct an investigation (IB2).
5. List the technologies that could enhance the collection of data (IB3).
6. Identify the standard safety equipment needed to conduct an investigation (IB4).
7. Identify all safety precautions that need to be followed when handling materials and equipment in an investigation (IB5).
8. Explain the proper response to emergency situations in the laboratory (IB6).
9. Demonstrate a laboratory investigation with repeated trials and systematic manipulation of variables (IB7).
10. Describe possible sources of error in experimental results (IB8, 11)
11. Use tables, graphs, and maps to display data (IB9).
12. State and communicate a conclusion based on qualitative and quantitative data (IB10,12).
13. Demonstrate the use of technology through collecting and displaying data (IC1).
14. Distinguish between valid and invalid data (IC2).
15. Demonstrate the use of mathematical formulas and calculations in making measurements (IC3).
16. Illustrate and label a best-fit curve through data points (IC4).
17. Identify linear relationships when calculating the slope of a line (IC5).
18. Illustrate and label interpolated and extrapolated data points (IC6, IC7).
19. Assemble a model that represents a scientific explanation or experimental evidence (ID1)
20. Construct scientific models without bias toward ethical principles, and revise as needed (ID2,3)
21. Identify current scientific models and their experimental results (IE1).
22. Identify the characteristics of a scientific model or scientific explanation based on scientific criteria (IE2)
23. Write applicable laboratory instructions for conducting an experiment (IF1).
24. Design methods to explain the process and conclusion of a scientific investigation (IF2).
25. Discuss how conceptual principles and knowledge impact scientific and technological inquiry (IG1a).
26. List several reasons for conducting scientific investigations (IG1b1).
27. List and explain the advantages in the use of technology (IG1b2).
28. Describe the application of mathematics to science and technolgy (IG1b3).
29. Compare and contrast the relationship of historical and current scientific knowledge to the design of scientific models (IG1b4).
30. Identify the characteristics of a scientific explanation based on new discoveries (IG1b5)

Physical Science Basics

1. Compare and contrast "pure" science and technology, hypothesis, theory, and scientific law (IA1, B1, B3).
2. Distinguish between problems and exercises, and evaluate approaches for solving problems (ID1, E1, E2).
3. Describe some environmental issues studied by scientists and examine how scientific controversies arise (IG3).
4. Define standard of measurement and recognize the need for these standards (IG3).
5. Identify SI units and symbols (IG3).
6. Demonstrate the ability to convert related SI units (IC3).
7. Analyze the benefits and the drawbacks of the universal use of the SI system (IG3).

The Nature of Matter

1. List and evaluate the hazards of handling and storing pressurized gases (IVB3c).
2. Sequence atomic models in their development and how each scientist used information from preceding models to further the atomic theory. (IVA1a)
3. Compare and contrast physical and chemical evidences that atoms exist (IVA1b).
4. Compare and contrast the mass, location, and charge of each major subatomic particle (IVA1c).
5. Identify the charge and relative mass of protons and neutrons (IVA2b).
6. Identify stable and radioactive unstable isotopes of elements (IVA2c).
7. Given examples of solids, liquids, and gases, describe their characteristics including the spacing of the particles relative to their energy (IVB5a).
8. State an explanation for the possible role of the neutron in the nucleus (IVA3a).
9. Identify the contributions that led to the present-day periodic table (IVB2a).
10. Classify elements into various groups/families on the periodic table according to their physical and chemical properties (IVB2b).
11. Use the atomic number and mass number of an isotope of an element to determine the number of protons, neutrons, and electrons (IVB2d).
12. Explain the energy transformations as the electrons change energy levels (IVC3a).
13. Explain the role of free radicals in atmospheric, cellular, and chemical processes (IVC3b).
14. Determine the ionic charge an atom will acquire if it gains or loses electrons (IVB1a).
15. Describe the processes that form ionic and covalent bonds (IVB3c).
16. Give examples of ionic compounds and covalent molecules (IVB3c).
17. Write chemical formulas for ionic compounds (IVB3d).
18. Differentiate between ionic and covalent substances based on their physical properties (IVB4a).
19. Explain the effect of collisions among particles on their reaction rates (IVC4a).
20. Analyze the properties of water as they relate to water's bonding and molecular shape (IVB4b).
21. Analyze the behavior of polar and nonpolar substances in forming solutions (IVB4d).
22. Discuss how temperature, pressure, and volume are interrelated to the behavior of gases (IVB4c).

Kinds of Substances

1. Given examples of substances, classify them as elements or compounds based on chemical and physical properties (IVB3b).
2. Examine similarities and differences between elements within period or group on the periodic table (IVB2c).
3. Illustrate the bonding properties of carbon (IVB6a).
4. Identify some examples of polymers and their uses (IVB6b).
5. Identify examples of aromatic compounds and their practical uses (IVB6c).
6. Draw an electron dot diagram for an element and demonstrate ites line spectrum analysis (IVC3b).
7. Describe how certain elements are used in the production of fireworks and light sources (IVC3c).

Interactions of Matter

1. Demonstrate and describe how factors of temperature, surface area, and stirring effect the rate at which various substances dissolve (IVB4e).
2. Given a solute and a solvent, describe the differences in the preparation of a concentrated and dilute solution (IVB4f).
3. Describe the physical properties of common acids and bases (IVC3a1).
4. Use the pH scale to determine if a substance is  an acid or a base (or neutral) (IVC3a2).
5. Determine the pH of a variety of substances of  unknown pH using indicators of varying pH ranges (IVC3a6).
6. Identify characteristics that indicate that a chemical reaction has taken place (IVC2a).
7. Identify the parts of a chemical reaction (IVC2b).
8. Describe the characteristics of a balanced equation (IVC2b).
9. Identify and explain factors that effect reaction rates (IVC4b).
10. Identify the  reactant and products in a  neutralization reaction (IVC3a3).
11. Identify real life applications effected by reaction rates such as food spoilage and digestive aids (IVC4c).
12. Distinguish between endothermic and exothermic reactions (IVC2c).
13. State and apply the Law of Conservation of Mass to chemical reactions (IVC2d).
14. Discuss the contributions of Lavoisier and Dalton as related to the study of matter (IVB3a).
15. Discuss the effect of temperature on the solubility of different solutes (IVB4c).
16. Write and equation to illustrate the process of rusting (IVC1a).
17. Describe why metals need to be protected from rusting (IVC1a).
18. Discuss the process of digestion as a chemical process (IVC1b1).
19. Explain how simpler molecules, monomers, are rearranged into new molecules, polymers, within living things (IVC1b2).
20. Describe the environmental effects of toxic substances and their sources (IVC1c).
21. Write a chemical equation illustrated by the formation of acid rain and list some of its effects on the environment (IVC3a4).
22. Discuss the pH value of common consumer products (IVC3a5).

Energy and Motion

1. Identify different kinds of forces (IVA1a).
2. State how Galileo and Newton have developed greater understanding of gravitational force (IVA1a).
3. Given the highest and lowest vertical positions of a moving object, identify the point at which kinetic and potential energies vary (IVB1).
4. Identify specific types of energy transformations (IVB1).
5. Describe the relationship between energy and work done, work and power, and work and efficiency (IVB1).
6. Solve mathematical problems related to work, power, and efficiency (IVB1).
7. Classify the types of energy as either potential or kinetic (IVB2).
8. Describe the energy as contained by a field such as electromagnetic waves (KVB2).
9. Compare the effects of temperature on particle movement in terms of energy and distance (IVB3).
10. Give examples of energy changes in the Laws of Thermodynamics (KVB1c).

Waves, Light, and Sound

1. Categorize waves as either transverse or longitudinal (compressional) (IVC1b).
2. Relate sound and light waves to the two types of waves (IVC1d).
3. Differentiate between various types of waves as to the wave category, properties and behaviors (such as movement through a medium, speed reflection/polarization) (IVC1e).
4. Illustrate amplitude and frequency or high and low energy waves (IVC1f).
5. Discuss the negative effects of wave behavior on human body and the contributions of waves to medical and dental examination, diagnosis, and treatment (IVC1g).
6. Discuss how wave behavior affects different types of communication in the use of electronic devices as well as in animal communication (IVC1h).
7. Explain how wave behavior affects optical and sonic devices (IVC1i).
8. Order the waves in the electromagnetic spectrum according to wavelength, frequency, and energy (IVC2a).
9. Demonstrate and measure the velocity, period, frequency, amplitude, phase, and wavelength of a wave (IVC1a).
10. Demonstrate reflection, refraction, diffraction, interference, polarization, and the Doppler Effect (IVC2c).

Electricity and Energy Resources

1. Examine and state how like and unlike charges interact (IVA3a).
2. Explain how static electricity affects electronic devices (IVA3e).
3. State how Franklin and Coulomb have developed greater understanding of electrical force (IVA1a).
4. Describe the conversion of matter into energy during fission and fusion reactions (IVA3c).
5. Identify and explain fusion as the process that fuels the sun and other stars (IVA3d).
6. Describe the environmental impact and medical uses of nuclear applications (IVA3e).
7. Compare and contrast the contributions of Curies, Meitner, and Fermi that lead to the development of nuclear models (IVA2a).
8. Compare and contrast life before and after the introduction of electricity in a home and in the community (IVA4d).
9. Assemble and draw diagrams of series and parallel circuits (IVA5a).
10. Compare and contrast series and parallel circuits (IVA5c).
11. Given two of the following three variables: current, resistance, and potential difference (voltage), calculate the third variable by applying Ohm's Law (IVA5d).
12. Describe how the safety devices in circuits work and explain the role of each (IVA5e).
13. Differentiate between electrical conductors, insulators, and semiconductors based on their ability to allow the movement of electrons (IVC4a).
14. Examine the effects of the advent of computers, cell phones, palm pilots, and other technologies on the individual and society (IVC4c).
15. Distinguish between the types of energy released by nuclear reactions and chemical reactions (IVA3b).
16. Write a nuclear reaction to illustrate the emission of energy or particles from nuclear decay (IVA4a).
17. Calculate the age of a material using the half-life of an isotope (IVA4b).
18. List some practical uses of petroleum products in our everyday lives (IVB6d).
19. Discuss how electrostatic charges are affected by the distance between them (IVA3b).
20. Discuss how the size of an electrostatic charge affects the attraction between the two (IVA3c).
21. Discuss the relationship between electrical and gravitational forces in terms of their magnitude (IVA4a).
22. Explain how a magnetic field is produced (IVA4a).
23. Explain how a magnet is used to produce electricity (IVA4b).
24. Explain how electrical motors and electrical generators are used to convert and transfer energy (IVA4c).
25. Demonstrate the use of an electric meter to measure the voltage and resistance in a circuit (IVA5b).a
26. Identify the properties that affect superconductivity (IVC4b).