PHSC 2650KThis is an archive of the Common Course Outlines prior to fall 2011. The current Common Course Outlines can be found at http://www.gpc.edu/programs/Common-Course-Outlines.
Credit Hours 4
Course Title Physical Science Fof Middle Sschool Teachers
Prerequisite(s) Exit or exemption from all Learning Support and ESL requirements, and EDUC 2110, or students with degrees
Corequisite(s) None Specified
Fundamentals of Physical Science for Middle School teachers. This course is a survey of the important aspects of chemistry and physics. The goal of this course is to provide students with a solid background concerning basic topics in chemistry and physics. This course does not meet program of study requirements for the associate's degree in teacher education.
Expected Educational Results
A. As a result of completing this course the student will be able to:
1. Describe the basic properties and phases of matter
2. Explain the existence of matter using the atomic theory.
3. Describe the periodic table.
4. Be able to interpret chemical symbology and describe chemical reactions.
5. Describe and be able to apply the Law of Conservation of Energy.
6. Explain how the position and motion of an object are relative to other objects.
7. Explain how the motions of objects are related to forces.
8. Distinguish between weight and mass and describe how gravity relates to distance according to the Universal Gravitation Law.
9. Explain the relationship between momentum and impulse. Describe the factors affecting static and dynamic pressure.
10. Explain the operation of simple machines.
11. Describe the characteristics, movements and measurements of Heat Energy.
12. Describe the kinetic molecular theory of heat.
13. Describe fundamental properties of waves.
14. Describe basic properties and nature of sound.
15. Describe the basic properties of electromagnetic radiation and its interactions with matter.
16. Explain the properties of mirrors and lenses.
17. Describe the fundamental source of electric charge.
18. Describe the basic properties of electric fields.
19. Describe the basic properties of electric current and the behavior of conductors and insulators.
20. Analyze simple series and parallel circuits.
21. Describe the properties of magnets.
General Education Outcomes
1. This course addresses the general education outcome relating to communications as follows:
a. Students develop their reading comprehension skills by reading the web pages, textbook, and other course materials.
b. Students develop their writing skills through a variety of homework assignments, tests, and quizzes.
c. Students develop their communication skills through class discussions, and by asking questions in class, as well as interactions with their peers in and out of class. In the online environment, students develop their communication skills through bulletin board discussions with the instructor and with their peers, and by asking questions using e-mail and the bulletin board.
2. This course addresses the general education outcomes of recognition and application of scientific inquiry as follows:
a. Students must apply principles of chemistry and physics to explain various observed natural phenomena.
b. Students will develop the skills of inquiry by use of the scientific method to experience, evaluate, and synthesize data as applied to various earth and space science problems.
3. This course addresses the general education outcomes of developing effective individual, and at times, group problem-solving and critical thinking skills as applied to physical science.
a. Students will develop their ability to problem-solve and critically think by applying their acquired knowledge of physical science to various scientific problems, and by developing activities to use with middle school students.
A. Properties and Phases of Matter
Atoms, molecules, elements, compounds and mixtures
Periodic table, atomic number and atomic mass
Chemical symbols and formulae
Chemical reactions, acids and bases
B. Relationship Between Matter and Energy
Transformation of Chemical energy
Conservation of energy
C. Relationship of Position and Motion
Speed, velocity and acceleration
Motion in one-dimension
Motion in Two-dimensions and falling Bodies
D. Motion Related to Forces
Types of Forces
Newton's first law
Action and reaction forces
Weight vs Mass
F. Momentum and Impulse
Force, time and momentum
Elastic and inelastic collisions
G. Fluid pressure in static and dynamic situations
I. Heat energy
Heat and temperature
Phases and states of matter
Transverse and longitudinal waves
Interactions between waves and matter
Characteristics of waves
Characteristics of sound
Transmission of sound through various media
Intensity and frequency
L. Electromagnetic radiation
Properties of light
Interactions of light and matter
Refraction, diffraction and interference
Particle nature of light
Mirrors and lenses
M. Static electricity
Sources of electric charge
Conductors and insulators
N. Electric current
Voltage, current and resistance
Series and parallel circuits
Assessment of Outcome Objectives
A. Course grade
1. Exams, quizzes, homework, and assignments will be used to determine the final course grade.
2. The exams will contain objective questions that will assess the educational outcomes objectives for this course. Each instructor must include these questions within their exams.
B. Departmental Assessment
This course will be assessed each time it is offered. Common assessment questions will be included in the final exam. The construction of the assessment questions will be the responsibility of the GPC faculty member overseeing this course.
C. Use of Assessment Findings
The results of the assessment and the assessment instrument will be reviewed each year the course is offered. From this review, modifications of the course materials and assignments will be proposed and adopted if necessary, working within the content standards required for middle school teachers.
Last Revised: Aug. 10, 2011Return to all courses