Physical Science (8th grade level)

Physical Science

GRADES 7-8

Course Description:Throughout this course, your student will investigate, discover, recognize, appreciate, discuss, and understand the wonders of Creation. Using the new 4^th Edition of Apologia’s Exploring Creation with Physical Science, which is written in an easy to follow conversational tone (which helps cultivate independent learning) we will cover 15 modules. Each module takes 2-3 weeks to complete. A typical week requires studying science for about 2 hours a week for homework and 1.5 hours of class time.

During homework, your student will read an assigned portion of their textbook. Throughout each section, they will answer “On Your Own” questions to test their comprehension before moving forward. There will also be study questions each week.

Class time will be spent reviewing homework, answering questions, presenting new material, and completing at least one lab/activity per week. Lab exercises are conducted throughout each module so that your student has hands-on lab experience that goes along with their study.

At the end of each of the 15 modules there is a Study Guide to help your student review their materials before taking their quiz. All quizzes will be take-home and proctored by the parent.  

Experiments, Hands-On Activities, and Topics: This course has plenty of hands-on learning with 36 experiments. There are also some “You Do” activities which may be assigned for homework if needed.

Lab Reports: While your student will complete experiments in class with at least one formal lab report required per module. Your student will be instructed on both informal and formal lab report writing techniques and will have a clear understanding of how to document all of their work in their notebooks. Don’t worry! We will walk through and explain every step and why it is essential.

Connections to Creation: Throughout the textbook, there are “Think About This” sections to help your student make a connection between science and the Creator.

Topics include:

• Basic Science (including mathematic conversions)
• Chemistry including Properties and States of Matter, Atomic Structure and the Periodic Table, Chemical Bonds, Reactions and Energy
• Physics including Motion – Forces, Energy, Waves and Sound, Light, Electricity and Magnetism
• Earth Science including Our Earth, Our Atmosphere and Beyond
• Chemistry and Physics in the Life Sciences
• Physical Science Research

All lab supplies and project materials are included in the materials fee.

Please purchase the required textbook: Apologia Physical Science Science 4^th edition (purple crystal on cover): (ISBN# 9781940110141). This is the NEW 2024 edition and is set to be released in late May. It should be around $69. This publisher has an audiobook version if you think that would also be helpful to your particular student but the hardcopy will be needed due to the graphics and pictures in the textbook.

DO NOT purchase the lab notebook, solutions manual, or test booklet since I will use customized versions for these materials.

Class Max: 20 students

Cost of Class (per semester): $350 (This fee includes lab materials and handouts when needed). Upon registration, a $50 non-refundable deposit will be due, which is applied to the cost of the course. 

Payment Info: Venmo @tiffany-haugland or Zelle with [email protected]

Contact Info: [email protected]