Science 8 Home

Welcome to Physical Science!

Physical science is the study of matter and energy. Every measurable thing in the universe is either matter or energy. The eighth grade science course at Town School is dedicated to the study of the relationships between matter and energy that define the physical sciences.

We begin the year with a study of what science is. Science can be broadly defined as a collection of knowledge or theory on the nature and operation of natural phenomena in the world or universe around us. In other words it is a way of explaining the reality of the world and universe around us. But there are other ways of explaining the world around us. Different cultures, for example, have used myths, legends and religion to explain the "nature and operation" of natural phenomena. Is one way more or less valid or true than the other? What makes science different? We will thus begin our exploration of physical sciences as a systemized body of knowledge organized in a meaningful pattern; the result of experimentation, observation and insight, accumulated over centuries. As we progress in our study of physical sciences we will pay attention to how different parts and ideas in this system interact.

A major portion of the course will focus on Newtonian physics and will be centered around topics involving forces and motion. During this part of the course we will be practicing, in particular, skills involving making observations and taking accurate measurements, and making and using data tables. Students will see a direct relationship between math and science in this portion of the course. We will be studying and calculating speed and velocity, slope, acceleration, mass, force, momentum, pressure, work, mechanical advantage, types of energy, magnetism, and electricity. In addition we will learn the theories behind these topics and will learn to explain phenomena with a "scientific" vocabulary.

Our course will contain the topics:

• Yosemite History and Topographic Mapping

• Motion, Speed, Velocity, and Acceleration

• Momentum

• Force and Newton's Laws of Motion

• Work and Simple Machines

• Famous Scientists and Inventors

• Types of Energy

• Conservation of Energy

• Magnetism and Electricity

• Chemistry (if time permits)

Throughout the course we will study the scientists who contributed to the accumulation of science over the centuries, from Archimedes and Aristotle to Galileo and Newton to Goddard and Fermi. We will get a brief glimpse into their lives and times and gain insight into their influences and motivation as well as see a continuum of who they influenced with their work.  We will also explore the interrelationship between pure science and applied science and technology.

Physical science is an interesting, exciting and fun course. It is conducive to a many hands on labs and projects. It is not, however, an "easy" course. The concepts, content, and skills required can be challenging. It will require students to make an effort to read the assigned reading independently, stay up to date on homework, and maintain a notebook current with the class.  Mr. Singleton and Mr. Boyer look forward to having a great year in science with the class of 2008!!!!!

Goals For Students:

1. To enhance curiosity and respect for the physical world around us.
2. To think like physicists and employ the scientific method.
3. To display excellent teamwork and learn cooperatively.
4. To understand the importance of technology in science.
5. To develop students’ organizational and study skills through note taking.
6. To strengthen scientific skills such as making observations; taking, recording and analyzing data; and drawing conclusions.
7. Develop critical thinking skills through independent lab experiments and research projects.

Requirements:

All students are expected to come to class each day on time and with the necessary materials. They are expected to be prepared (academically and physically) and ready to learn. An atmosphere of mutual respect for oneself, classmates, teachers, rules, the lab and the lab equipments will be maintained at all times. Failure to conduct oneself in the spirit of these expectations will result in an appropriate consequence commensurate with the offense.

The texts we use are:

Science Explorer: Focus on Physical Science, Prentice-Hall Science Inc.

Tentative Field Trips:

Field trips are a function of class interest, significance to the course material and teacher confidence in student behavior. There are currently 2 field trips planned. These are tentative and my be cancelled or replaced with different events.

1. Yosemite National Park (Fall)
2. Great America (Spring)
 

Grading: Evaluation will be based on the following:

1. Homework (40%) and Projects(30% each)
 

2. Labs (10%) and Quizzes(15%)

3. Participation (5%)

 

After School Help:

Mr. Singleton and Mr. Boyer are available to help students in the mornings, as well as, Monday and Thursday from 3:30-4pm.