Middle School Physics Full Curriculum Semester Long Science Classes

This semester course covers the science of physics and the principles that govern the physical world. Middle school students will learn about the laws of motion as they relate to speed, velocity, acceleration and motion in everyday activities. Hands-on experiments address the topic of mechanical energy and promote a solid understanding of the differences between potential and kinetic energies. There will be many hands-on activities for students to complete throughout the semester. The different forms of energy will be covered and will include the relationship between energy and matter.  Students will learn about the nature of forces within the atom including electrostatic force and the strong force. In addition, the course will cover the relationship between magnetism and electricity and how these forces are applied in our technological society.  Experiments in gravity, thrust, and friction give students experience in simple experimental physics and offer interesting results for students to observe. Other course topics include thermal energy and the differences between light and sound waves and the nature of electromagnetic radiation.  Classes are designed for student interest and include short instructional videos as well as the occasional review game. Along the way, students will be exposed to the scientific method, the metric system, STEM projects, and inquiry-based science. The live classes will include interesting demonstrations.

PLEASE NOTE: Students will be expected to be onscreen for classes during discussions and questions.

Week 1  Introduction to Physics, Review Atom
Week 2  Electrostatic Force and Static Discharges
Week 3  Magnetism and Electricity
Week 4  Electricity and Circuits
Week 5  Current, Resistance, Voltage and Batteries  
Week 6  Thermal Energy and Heat
Week 7  Mechanical Energy and Simple Machines
Week 8  Potential and Kinetic Energy
Week 9  Chemical Energy and Energy Transformation 
Week 10  Gravity, Mass, and Space
Week 11  Air Pressure and Weight, Bernoulli's Law
Week 11  Newton's Laws of Motion
Week 12  Thrust, Lift and Drag, Friction
Week 13  Light, Sound, and Electromagnetic Energy
Week 14  Nuclear Forces, Strong Force
 
*Please note this class will not cover algebra physics
*There will be no classes the week of Mar 6 through Mar 10.

Materials/Supplies: Students will need a notebook for assignments, observations, and experimental results. Occasionally students will need certain easily-obtainable materials.  Students will also need to purchase a printable Physical Science workbook packet from www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Dr-Daves-Science (author Dr. David Purvis). 

Prerequisites: None