Physical Science Syllabus Units of Study:
Physical Science is the study of matter Unit 1: Forces and their Interactions
There are two main branches of physical science-chemistry Unit 2: Energy
and physics. As physical scientists, you will explore Unit 3: Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
will (1) explore what substances are made of and how they
change and combine (2) study forms of energy, such as heat
and light. This class will focus on the science facts, concepts,
and principles, theories, and models that are important for all students
to know, understand, and use to become scientifically literate.
Grade Distribution:
Learning Opportunities and Quizzes: 10 %
Attendance 10 %
Activities: 40 %
Exams: 40 %
NGSS Standards:
FORCES AND INTERACTIONS:
Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship amongthe net
force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration. HS-PS2-1
Use mathematical representations to support the claim that the total momentum of a system of objects is conserved
when there is no net force on the system. HS-PS2-2
Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic
object during a collision. HS-PS2-3
Use mathematical representations of Newton’s Law of Gravitation and Coulomb’s Law to describe and predict the
gravitational and electrostatic forces between objects. HS-PS2-4
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a
changing magnetic field can produce an electric current. HS-PS2-5
ENERGY:
Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in
energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known. HS-PS3-1
Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy
associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects).
HS-PS3-2
Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of
energy. HS-PS3-3
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different
temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the
system (second law of thermodynamics). HS-PS3-4
Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects
and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction. HS-PS3-5
WAVES AND ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION:
Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of
waves traveling in various media. HS-PS4-1
Evaluate questions about the advantages of using a digital transmission and storage of information. HS-PS4-2
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a
wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other. HS-PS4-3
Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic
radiation have when absorbed by matter. HS-PS4-4
Communicate technical information about about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and
wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy. HS-PS4-5
Physical Science is the study of matter Unit 1: Forces and their Interactions
There are two main branches of physical science-chemistry Unit 2: Energy
and physics. As physical scientists, you will explore Unit 3: Waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
will (1) explore what substances are made of and how they
change and combine (2) study forms of energy, such as heat
and light. This class will focus on the science facts, concepts,
and principles, theories, and models that are important for all students
to know, understand, and use to become scientifically literate.
Grade Distribution:
Learning Opportunities and Quizzes: 10 %
Attendance 10 %
Activities: 40 %
Exams: 40 %
NGSS Standards:
FORCES AND INTERACTIONS:
Analyze data to support the claim that Newton’s second law of motion describes the mathematical relationship amongthe net
force on a macroscopic object, its mass, and its acceleration. HS-PS2-1
Use mathematical representations to support the claim that the total momentum of a system of objects is conserved
when there is no net force on the system. HS-PS2-2
Apply scientific and engineering ideas to design, evaluate, and refine a device that minimizes the force on a macroscopic
object during a collision. HS-PS2-3
Use mathematical representations of Newton’s Law of Gravitation and Coulomb’s Law to describe and predict the
gravitational and electrostatic forces between objects. HS-PS2-4
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a
changing magnetic field can produce an electric current. HS-PS2-5
ENERGY:
Create a computational model to calculate the change in the energy of one component in a system when the change in
energy of the other component(s) and energy flows in and out of the system are known. HS-PS3-1
Develop and use models to illustrate that energy at the macroscopic scale can be accounted for as a combination of energy
associated with the motions of particles (objects) and energy associated with the relative positions of particles (objects).
HS-PS3-2
Design, build, and refine a device that works within given constraints to convert one form of energy into another form of
energy. HS-PS3-3
Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that the transfer of thermal energy when two components of different
temperature are combined within a closed system results in a more uniform energy distribution among the components in the
system (second law of thermodynamics). HS-PS3-4
Develop and use a model of two objects interacting through electric or magnetic fields to illustrate the forces between objects
and the changes in energy of the objects due to the interaction. HS-PS3-5
WAVES AND ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION:
Use mathematical representations to support a claim regarding relationships among the frequency, wavelength, and speed of
waves traveling in various media. HS-PS4-1
Evaluate questions about the advantages of using a digital transmission and storage of information. HS-PS4-2
Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a
wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other. HS-PS4-3
Evaluate the validity and reliability of claims in published materials of the effects that different frequencies of electromagnetic
radiation have when absorbed by matter. HS-PS4-4
Communicate technical information about about how some technological devices use the principles of wave behavior and
wave interactions with matter to transmit and capture information and energy. HS-PS4-5