Enduring Understandings

 

  • Everything in the universe is in motion relative to some point of reference.
  • Motion can be described using position, time, speed, velocity, and acceleration.
  • Energy takes many forms.
  • Energy cannot be created of destroyed, but can exist in different forms and undergo various transformations.
  • Gravity causes objects to accelerate downward due to the massive size of the earth.
  • The combination of initial horizontal velocity and downward vertical force of gravity cause a projectile to follow a curved path.
  • Newton formulated laws that describe the behavior of moving objects Energy is transferred when a force moves an object to do work.
  • For a force to do work on an object, some of the force must act in the same direction as the object moves. Power is the rate at which work is done.
  • Machines (simple and compound) help people do work by changing the size of a force needed the direction of a force, or the distance over which a force acts.
  • Alternative energy sources are necessary for the sustainability of our environment. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but only transformed from one form into another.
  • Mechanical waves are created when a source of energy causes a vibration to travel through a medium. Wave and particle motion are responsible for the transfer of light and sound.

 

 

Essential Questions

 

  • What variables can you manipulate to affect the movement of objects?
  • What relationships exist between distance time and speed?
  • How can we explain that everything in the universe is in motion?
  • How do we know that things have energy?
  • How do forces influence the motion of objects?
  • How are power and work related?
  • How do we use energy?
  • What are alternative energy sources and why are they necessary for the sustainability of our environment?
  • What are the features of waves?

 

 

Additional Resources Needed

 

  • Word Processing Software
  • Web cam Microphone Materials for experiments (will be listed for each unit in the course)

Content Topics

 

Unit 1

Motion

 

Unit 2

Forces

 

Unit 3

Machines

 

Unit 4

Alternative Energy

 

Unit 5

Sound and Light Waves

 

 

Key Skills

 

  • Measure
  • Calculate changes
  • Graph changes
  • Describe changes
  • Apply the science concepts
  • Make predictions
  • Identify properties
  • Compare and contrast

 

 

Assessments

 

  • Assignments
  • Quiz
  • Discussion Board
  • Projects
  • Test

 

 

Standards

 

Anchors Alignment:
S8.A.1 1  Explain, interpret, and apply scientific, environmental, or technological knowledge presented in a variety of formats (e.g., visuals, scenarios, graphs).
S8.A.1.2  Identify and explain the impacts of applying scientific, environmental, or technological knowledge to address solutions to practical problems.
S8.A.1.3  Identify and analyze evidence that certain variables may have caused measurable changes in natural or human-made systems.
S8.A.2.1  Apply knowledge of scientific investigation or technological design in different contexts to make inferences to solve problems.
S8.A.2.2  Apply appropriate instruments for a specific purpose and describe the information the instrument can provide.
S8.A.3.1  Explain the parts of a simple system, their roles, and their relationships to the system as a whole.
S8.A.3.2  Apply knowledge of models to make predictions, draw inferences, or explain technological concepts.
S8.C.2.1  Describe energy sources, transfer of energy, or conversion of energy.
S8.C.2.2  Compare the environmental impact of different energy sources chosen to support human endeavors.
S8.C.3.1  Describe the effect of multiple forces on the movement, speed, or direction of an object.  

PA State Standards:
Unifying Themes
3.1.7.A Explain the parts of a simple system and their relationship to each other.
3.1.7.C Identify patterns as repeated processes or recurring elements in science and technology.
3.1.7.D Explain scale as a way of relating concepts and ideas to one another by some measure.
3.1.7.E Identify change as a variable in describing natural and physical systems.
Inquiry and Design
3.2.7.A Explain and apply scientific and technological knowledge
3.2.7.B Apply process knowledge to make and interpret observations.
3.2.7.C Identify and use the elements of scientific inquiry to solve problems.
3.2.7.D Know and use the technological design process to solve problems.
Physical Science, Chemistry and Physics
3.4.7.B Relate energy sources and transfers to heat and temperature.
3.4.7.C Identify and explain the principles of force and motion.
Technology Education
3.6.7.C Explain physical technologies of structural design, analysis and engineering, personnel relations, financial affairs, structural production
Technological Devices
3.7.7A Describe the safe and appropriate use of tools, materials and techniques to answer questions and solve problems.
3.7.7.B Use appropriate instruments and apparatus to study materials.
Science, Technology and Human Endeavors
3.8.7.A Explain how sciences and technologies are limited in their effects and influences on society
3.8.7.B Explain how human ingenuity and technological resources satisfy specific human needs and improve the quality of life.
3.8.7.C Identify the pros and cons of applying technological and scientific solutions to address problems and the effect upon society.
Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
4.2.7. B Examine the renewability of resources
4.2.7.C Explain natural resource distribution.
4.2.7.D Describe the role of recycling and waste management.
4.3.7.A Identify environmental health issues
4.3.7.B Describe how human actions affect the health of the environment.
Humans and the Environment
4.8.7.C Explain how human activities may affect local, regional and national environments.

National Standards:
NS.5-8.1 SCIENCE AS INQUIRY
NS.5-8.2 PHYSICAL SCIENCE
NS.5-8.5 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
NS.5-8.6 PERSONAL AND SOCIAL PERSPECTIVES
NS.5-8.7 HISTORY AND NATURE OF SCIENCE