1. Introduction to Physical Science & Scientific Method

2. What is Science?
Science gives us a lens through which we can view the world critically.
Science is… consistent, observable, natural, predictable, testable, tentative
Physical Science is the scientific study of science of matter and energy

3. What we will be studying…Q1 Q2
Scientific Method
Measurement
Motion
Force
Work, Power, Machines
Waves
Sound & Light
Electricity & Magnetism (maybe)

4. What we will be studying…Q3 Q4
Matter
States of Matter
Atom
Periodic Table & the Mole
Chemical Nomenclature (naming)
Chemical Bonding
Chemical Reactions
Solutions
Acids & Bases

5. What we will be studying
Other topics could include:
Electricity and Magnetism
Nuclear Chemistry

6. What should you expect?
This is a high school class. There will be more work in here than your previous classes.
In class:
Questions of the day, notes, practice, labs, papers
Will perform approximately labs for the year
You will have notes (I always give guided notes)
You will have some short writing assignments
We will be practicing A LOT in class
Out of class:
Homework
The only way to make sure you get it is to practice it!
Expect to have homework at least 3 days per week
You should be studying each night for about 20 minutes

7. What you should expect Quizzes and Exams
There will NEVER be a pop up quiz in this class
Exams will usually be part multiple choice and part short answer
Expect the majority to be short answer

8. What to expect Extra credit
I do not give special extra credit assignments. As long as you complete the required work, you should not be in danger of failing
There will be opportunities (I will let you know) for extra credit on regular assigned work
Usually there is 1-2 extra credit questions on the test that require you to use all the information from that particular section

9. What to expect
If you are expecting to take this course as an “easy A” you may want to think again
You will be held to a high standard of learning and effort. As long as you put the effort required into this challenging class, you will excel.

10. What if I’m sick?
You have as many days to get me your missing work to me as you were absent
It is YOUR responsibility to get missing work from me
If you miss a lab, you are not required to make it up, but are more than welcome to complete it if you want

11. Class website
Or you can go to the classroom website:
Here you access ALL class notes, labs, assignments (there are also links to PowerSchool & the BHS website
There is also a calendar to help you keep track of what is for homework and big dates like tests
Every assignment for the chapter should be up once it is assigned by the end of the day

12. What I need back from you
Course Agreement signed
Lab Safety Agreement signed
Lab fee: $10
Lab fees help us to have exciting labs for the year
All fees go directly to purchasing materials we will use

13. Questions???

14. Now Let’s Start!!

15. Scientific Method

16. Scientific Inquiry
Science assumes the natural world is consistent & predictable
Goals of science are
Discover patterns in nature
Use the knowledge for predictions
Science does NOT have to be done in a specified method or order but does need certain parts

17. Scientific Method

18. Scientific Method

19. Scientific Process
The scientific method is based on the following steps:
Observation: When I study my grades in physical science are higher than when I don’t study.
Hypothesis: If I study for 20 minutes everyday, then I will earn an 80% or better on the next quiz.
Experiment: Study for 20 minutes everyday and compare current quiz scores with old quiz scores.

20. Scientific method cont.
Analyze Data - Old Score Average: 75%, New Score Average: 87%
Evaluating Results (conclusion)- Studying everyday improved my grade.
Communicate Results- tell your friends that studying helps you succeed in science!

21. Setting up a useful experiment…
The factors that affect a phenomenon are called variables.
Independent Variable- manipulated/changed (ex. Amount of fertilizer used on the plants.)
Dependent Variable- what is measured for change in response to ind.var. (ex. Growth in plants.)
Constants- All factors are kept the same in the experiment so other variables can be studied.

22. Hypothesis or scientific theory?
A Hypothesis is a predicted answer to a question based on prior knowledge.
A hypothesis can be supported or rejected based on data gathered from an experiment.
A Scientific Theory is an explanation for a phenomenon or mechanism that is widely supported by a large body of data.
A proposal is elevated to ‘theory’ only after MANY tests and multiple types of experiments.

23. Hypothesis verses Theory

24. Scientific Theory vs Law
A scientific law is a summary of many experimental results and observations
A law tells how things work(the what)
Tells you the action-you know an apple will fall when you drop it
A law does NOT tell you why it happens, theory tells you the why
Examples
Law of gravity
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Law of Definite Proportions
Laws of Thermodynamics
Law of Reflection