Course Overview

Physical Science – Physics introduces students to the fundamental principles of motion, forces, energy, and waves. Designed as a foundation for high school physics, this course emphasizes scientific inquiry, experimentation, and the application of physics concepts to real-world problems. Students engage in hands-on and virtual labs, data analysis, and problem-solving tasks that demonstrate how physics explains both natural phenomena and modern technology.

Key Learning Focus

Students will:

• Explore motion, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
• Investigate Newton's laws of motion and the relationship between force and motion.
• Study energy forms, transformations, and the principle of conservation of energy.
• Examine work, power, and simple machines.
• Explore properties of waves, sound, and light as systems of energy transfer.
• Strengthen problem-solving, measurement, and scientific reasoning skills.

Instructional Approach

Instruction emphasizes guided inquiry, hands-on laboratory activities, and modeling of physics concepts. Students use experiments, digital simulations, and real-world applications to deepen their understanding of how physics principles shape both everyday experiences and technological innovation.

Outcome

By the end of Physical Science – Physics, students will:

• Demonstrate understanding of motion, forces, energy, and waves.
• Apply Newtonian mechanics to explain real-world motion and interactions.
• Analyze energy transfer in mechanical and wave systems.
• Conduct experiments, interpret data, and communicate scientific findings.
• Be well-prepared to advance to high school Physics or other advanced STEM coursework.