COURSE-LEVEL SYLLABUS

The purpose of course-level and/or grade-level syllabi is to validate the efficacy of the courses and/or the
curriculum the district offers its students. Courses and curriculum must be aligned to domain standards.
Likewise, common assessments must be aligned to these same standards. These syllabi are an integral part of
the district’s “course-level approach” to graduation requirements.

PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Semester 2 - Physics

Instructor Andrew Taylor E-mail ataylor@lcsd2.org

Jasper Howell Address jahowell@lcsd2.org
Phone Planning
Number 885-7847 Time

Course Description

Physical Science is a course that will provide students with a good introduction to the Physical Sciences, which
are Chemistry and Physics. The subjects will range from the metric system to sub-atomic particles and
Newton’s Laws of Motion. The first semester will consist mainly of chemistry topics and the second semester
will focus on Physics.

Wyoming State Standards

1. Understand scientific concepts using facts, theories, principles, and models

2. Recognize patterns, processes, and connections in terms of systems
3. Demonstrate scientific inquiry
4. Habits of mind including curiosity, open-mindedness, and persistence
5. Communication
6. Scientific principles apply to personal and social issues
7. Nature and History of science
8. Use of technology in science
9. Safety

Performance Standard

In order for a student to be considered a master of the standards covered by this course he or she will have to
demonstrate a broad-based knowledge and understanding of measurement, matter and its properties, changes,
and classification, atoms, the periodic table, bonding, the types of chemical reactions, and lab safety. They will
also have to use data that they have collected to synthesize conclusions and formulate theories that will help
them to predict outcomes of alternative situations. This information will need to be communicated effectively
to others.
 Units of Study
Semester 2

Units Standards Benchmarks Assessments

Unit 5: Motion 1 1.14 Unit 5 Common Assessment
• Distance and Displacement 2 2.3, 2.4 Chapter 11
• Speed and Velocity 3 3.1, 3.2
• Acceleration
• Graph and Data Analysis
Unit 6: Forces 1 1.14 Unit 6 Common Assessment
• Newton’s Laws of Motion 2 2.2, 2.4 Chapter 12
• Laws of Conservation of
Momentum
• Universal Forces
Unit 7: Work, Power, and Simple 1 1.10, 1.14 Unit 7 Common Assessment
Machines 3 3.1 Chapters 14
• Work and Power
• Machines
• Mechanical Advantage -
Efficiency
Unit 8: 1 1.13 Unit 8 Common Assessment
Energy Chapters 15, 16, 17
• Forms of Energy – Energy
Conversion
• Energy Resources
• Potential and Kinetic Energy
• Mechanical Waves - Wave
Properties
• Electromagnetic
• Thermal Energy and Heat
• Thermodynamics

Course Materials and Resources

The textbook used for this course is Prentice Hall, Exploring Physical Science. Students will need to bring a
pencil, pen, three ring binder with loose leaf paper, and a calculator to class each day. Colored pencils and
notecards aid in student success. Students will be notified in advance of any other materials that may be
required from time to time.
Student and/or Parent Signature

Student:__________________________________ Parent:___________________________ Date_________

Notice of Nondiscrimination:
School district number Two agrees to ensure equitable access and equitable participation in all District
courses/classes. All district schools will effectively manage and creatively utilize resources necessary to
support student learning. The District’s Board of Trustees is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination
in relation to race, gender, age, national origin, color or disability in admission to, or access to, or
treatment in its educational programs or activities.