Conceptual Physics - Introduction
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 - 4 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 | Lab | Reading Assignment

This Week's	Process Standards: 3.5, 4.3, 4.7, 4.8, 6.1, 6.4 Content Standards: 1.3 Instructional Technology Standards: 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 5.2, 5.5

Science Scientific method Hypothesis Experiment Data Conclusion Theory Law Controled experiment	Control group Experimental group Anecdotal data Numerical data Pure science Applied science Technology Physical science Chemistry Physics	HTML MSDS Graph Independent variable Dependent variable Scale Extrapolate Interpolate Rubric

Take this Physical Science Pre Test. The test serves two purposes. First - it gives an indication of how much you already know about chemistry and physics. Second - a comparison with the post test at the end of the year will show how your understanding of chemistry and physics has improved. Are you a positive thinker? Answer these questions to find out.

What is science?

Science is a never ending search for truth. Truth is based on a set of facts and our understanding of those facts. A good scientist must be ready to accept new facts as they are discovered and modify what is "true" in light of these facts. Even though science in school is usually taught in classes that are limited to a certain area, such as chemistry or physics, science is science, no matter what topic is involved. Science is being done whenever the scientific method is used. All students of science should have an understanding of the basic science history timeline.

Pure science is the gathering of information that adds to the body of human knowledge. Pure science is not directly concerned with the practical use and application of the information. Applied science, also known as technology, is the practical use of scientific information.

Physical science is the first year science class at Bayless High School. Students are expected to be familiar with computers and some of their applications when they enter this class. During the school year, those skills will be polished and used to produce several research projects. Physics and Chemistry are the "physical sciences". Physics, the study of the relationships between matter and energy. (1st semester) Chemistry, the study of the structure and properties of matter.(2nd semester)

This is a self-paced class with the curriculum divided into daily assignments on the website. Students are expected to work at a pace that stretches their abilities. Advanced students have an opportunity to do bonus activities if they are working ahead of schedule. You should be familiar with the grading system for this class.

Portfolios:

Keeping records in an organized fashion is important in science, as well as most other "real world" situations. When scientists make important discoveries, their work and experiments must be able to be reproduced by others. The only way to do this is by following the original records of the work. To gain experience in record-keeping, and to demonstrate improvement through the course of the class, each physical science student is required to keep a portfolio.

Saving assignment files:

Name your assignment files in this way:
• Use only small-case letters when naming files.
• Begin each file name with the first letter of your last name.
• Follow this with the first two letters of your first name.
• Follow this with the two digit week number.
• Follow this with a single digit indicating the assignment day number.
  • Example: If student Jon Doe is saving a file from the 9th week, the 2nd day,
    the file name would be - djo092 plus the appropriate file extension.
• It is ok to have files with the same name, as long as they are different file types - such as doc, ppt, htm, or gif. If you ever have to save more than one of the same type of file for one day's assignment, just add a letter after the number of the day. (example) djo092a.gif, djo092b.gif, djo092c.gif, etc.

Commonly used software:

As a student at Bayless High School, you have an opportunity to use the latest information technology available. The following software is used most often to report research information in Physical Science Class.

• Microsoft Word: This program is used to create text material that can be either read on a computer screen or printed on paper.
  This information is most often meant to be viewed by one person at a time so the text size can be small. "Standard" font size is 12 to 14 point.

• Microsoft PowerPoint: This program is used to display text and graphics to a group. It can be used in support of an oral presentation or as a stand-alone, automatically run program. PowerPoint can also be used to add text or artwork to graphics files.

  PowerPoint is a "presentation graphics" program. It is used to visually provide information to a group of people - not just one person sitting in front of a computer. Color combinations and font size must make the slides easily read from a distance. Refer to this grade rubric for more details.

• Microsoft Excel: This program is used to produce spreadsheets of data that can then be converted into graphs.
  Once the data is correctly typed into the Excel spreadsheet, changing the way the data is displayed in graph form will not alter the data. There are many types of displays to choose from.

• WebPage Publishing: There are several software packages available to publish webpages. While these do most of the page construction for you, you will be asked to learn the basic HTML tags. You will use a software program called TextEdit on your class computer for science project webpages.
  Student webpages in HHS science classes are made for the sole purpose of providing information. Any graphics used must support your information without making the page slow to load. There are differences between informative webpages and those that are meant entertain. These differences are the things you will be asked to learn this year.

  In-Class Assignment 011:
  This assignment must be turned in by the end of class today to receive credit.
  Scoring criteria

  A daily entry in your portfolio is required for this class. You must have the proper folder for the portfolio (with a title page) and begin keeping daily records before the end of this week. Review the portfolio grade rubric.

  You are not required to write the question for assignments in science class. However, each question must be answered with a complete sentence. If your sentence is properly written, it will make clear what question was asked.
  1. What is the first step in The Scientific Method?
  2. What is another name for applied science?
  3. What type of audience is meant to view PowerPoint presentations?

  4. If you were asked to type the answers to this assignment using Microsoft Word and save them on your computer, what would be the file name and extension?
  5. Use the BHS Science Goals Page to answer the following questions.
     1. Define critical thinking.
     2. Use the self-evaluation criteria to determine which of the following is an "A" statement, "B" statement, and "C" statement.
        • Missouri is known for cowboys, native americans, and football.
        • Missouri has lots of cowboys, indians, and football players.
        • Missouri is known for cowboys, Native Americans, and championship football.
     3. What are the four basic class rules in BHS science classes?
     4. Explain what is meant by the last statement on the BHS science goals page?

Day 2

What is applied science?

Concept mapping:

A concept map is a way of organizing and describing related ideas. Concept maps can be drawn in many different ways. What is important is that yours has meaning to you and helps you understand the information gained during research.

The map begins with the central topic or theme of the research. This central theme is then broken down into important areas. Each of these areas might be broken down as well, depending on the complexity of the research topic. Once the map is complete, you have identified the areas that will be used in reporting your research.

A concept map is provided for each week of class, with the basic theme at the bottom of the page. While these maps might not represent an assigned research topic, they do serve as examples as you learn to make your own concept maps and use them in your research.

Demonstrating technology skills:

Citizens of the twenty first century must be able to use technology. You have already learned to use many tools of technology at Howe Public Schools. Physical science students are expected to use these tools when doing their science assignments. The Science Room provides much of what you will need to be successful this year. It is important that you study the student page that explains how to use the HHS science curriculum.

In-class Computer Assignment 012:
This assignment must be completed by the end of class today to receive credit.
Scoring criteria

Review the information about PowerPoint from Day 1

• Make a 3-slide PowerPoint presentation.
  Slide #1 - Use this slide layout:
  • Type "Physical Science" in the title box.
  • Type your name in the subtitle box.
  • Add appropriate clip-art to the page.

  Slide #2 - Use this slide layout:

  • Type "Chemistry" in the title box.
  • Drag and drop this picture of the periodic table on the page.
  • Use a text box to define chemistry on the page.
  • "Fill" the text box to make it easier to read the text.

  Slide=#3 - Use this slide layout:

  • Type "Physics" in the title box.
  • Define physics on the left side of the slide.
  • Add clip-art of a motor vehicle to the right side of the page.

  Use any other PowerPoint tools that you are familiar with to make your presentation interesting.

  Save the PowerPoint presentation on your computer. Be sure to use the correct file name.
  Show the set of slides to your science facilitator when you are finished.

Day 3 - 4

In-class Computer Assignment 014:
This assignment must be completed by the end of class today to receive credit.
Scoring criteria

• Use these basic HTML tags to make a webpage. Include the following features:
  1. Use school colors for the page background and text.
  2. Center your name, in large font, at the top of the page.
  3. Find a science-related picture on the Internet. Drag and drop this picture on your computer's desktop.
  4. Center the picture on the webpage.
  5. Put your class schedule on the page as an "ordered" list.
  6. Type The Science Room on the page. Make a link to the science homepage.

  Save this HTML page on your computer's desktop. Be sure to use the correct file name.
  Show the webpage to your science facilitator when you are finished.

Day 5

What is the main threat to safety in our lab?

Laboratory experience is essential in all science classes. Experiments are carried out to test a hypothesis formed through researching a particular problem. Although the results of an experiment should not come as a complete surprise, you must always be prepared for the unexpected. For this reason, safety is always a concern with any lab. To insure that you and your classmates will not be injured in science class, be very familiar with the HHS science lab safety procedures.

The laboratory equipment used in this class is not complex, but each piece of labware has a specific purpose and should be used properly. This not only protects the equipment, it also improves safety in the lab.

Most of the chemicals used in Physical Science Class will be diluted to the point that they are not immediately dangerous. However, care should be taken not to get chemicals on your skin and clothing. Every chemical has its own special properties that require certain precautions. Material Safety Data Sheets are available for every chemical in the HHS chemical inventory. While there is a link to this inventory on the science homepage, this symbol will be found on several weekly concept pages. It is linked directly to the chemical inventory and MSDS.

Concept Understanding: Use the HHS science lab page to answer the following safety questions. What PPE must always be worn when you are working at a chemistry lab station? What is the most common accident in the science lab? A glass beaker is dropped, shattering over your lab table. What are you to do? Is sodium hydroxide a carcinogen (an agent that cause cancer)? The answer to question #4 is on the material safety data sheet, MSDS, for sodium hydroxide. Use the lab equpiment page to answer the following What is the most versatile piece of glassware at our chemistry lab stations? Read the lab technique for measuring the volume of a liquid with a graduated cylindar. What volume is represented by this picture of a 10 milliliter graduated cylindar? What is the purpose of the "bumper ring" on a graduated cylindar? A "striker" is used to light a laboratory burner. What is it "not" used for? Where is the "hottest part" of a laboratory burner flame?

Day 6

Why is science research done?

Science is a search for truth.

The scientific method is an organized way to figure something out.
Any question or problem can be solved using the scientific method

Chemistry Career Choices

Study this scientific method page to learn more about this important process.

Concept Understanding: Use the basic chemistry lab equipment page to answer these questions about lab equipment. What container is used to hold a chemical for "strong" heating? Describe two uses for a watch glass. What two pieces of glassware are used to measure the volume of liquids? How are liquids drawn into a pipet? Answer these questions about the scientific method: What is the first step in the scientific method? What is the purpose of an experiment? How are a scientific law and a scientific theory different? What is the purpose of a control in an experiment? Why is research done in the scientific method? Who is Richard Feynman? Explain what Mr. Feynman means by "Cargo Cult Science". What are the eight evaluation criteria that must be met before using a Website as a research reference in FHS science classes?

Day 7

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

Calculators:

A scientific calculator will make your life easier this year in physical science class. Can you find the calculator program on your computer?

Graphing:

All scientific experiments will produce some results that require careful observation to understand. Many times, these observations will be in the form of measurements called "data". To intrepret the results of an experiment, it is necessary to be able to evaluate this data. Although there are several ways to display data, making a graph is one way to help make data visual.

There are several type of graphs. Each type works best with a particular type of information.

• Line graph - shows trends or how data changes over time. This is one of the most useful graphs for scientific data.
• Bar graph - displays information collected by counting.
• Circle or Pie graph - shows how a fixed quantity is broken down into parts.

Whether making or intrepreting graphs, it is important to understand how graphs are constructed.

Computer Assignment 017:
This assignment must be turned in by the end of class tomorrow to receive credit.

1. Use Microsoft Excel to graph the data from practice problem 5a.
2. Complete a graph evalutation rubric for your graph.
3. Have your science facilitator aprove the graph.
4. Print the graph.

• Always staple the completed rubric on top of the assignment when you turn it in.

Physical Science

Science is a search for truth.
The methods of science can be used to solve any problem, not just those related to science subjects in school.

Applied science is the practical use of scientific information.
Today's technology is an example of finding practical applications for knowledge gained from pure science.

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Lack of pre-lab preparation is the main threat to lab safety.
You cannot be safe and successful doing a science experiment if you haven't researched the problem carefully.

Research is done to gather information to help in forming a hypothesis.
Research is NOT performing an experiment. Research is a search for information. Once you know what is published about your problem you will be able to make an informed hypothesis.

The independent variable in an experiment is controlled by the experimenter.
Anything that affects the results of an experiment is a variable. Successful experiments are designed to eliminate as many "unknown" variables as possible. A perfect experiment will only have two variables, the independent variable and the variable for which you are gathering information.