Course Title: Physical Science
Grade Level: 7th-8th grade
Course Description: This engaging 8th-grade course provides a strong foundation in physics and chemistry, preparing students for advanced high school science. Students will explore the wonders of God’s creation through scientific inquiry, hands-on experiments, and real-world applications. The structure of the class is to spend the first half taking notes and discussing concepts and the second half doing interactive labs and demonstrations.
Topics Covered:
● Properties of matter and atomic structure
● The periodic table and chemical bonds
● Chemical reactions and solutions
● Motion, forces, and energy
● Waves, sound, and light
● Electricity and magnetism
● Earth's atmosphere
● Scientific research methods
Course Highlights:
● Hands-on experiments and interactive activities
● Critical thinking and problem-solving through scientific inquiry
● A Christ-centered approach to understanding the physical world
● Preparation for high school biology, chemistry, and physics
Homework Expectation: About 2 hrs per week of reading the textbook, answering questions and studying for quizzes.
Class details:
Textbook: Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 4th edition
https://www.apologia.com/shop/
You will not need to buy the spiral bound student notebook. I will provide all the materials they need for the labs, notes and quizzes.
Instructor: Karen Cleary
Karen Cleary graduated from Biola University with a degree in science, but her love for chemistry began in high school when her favorite teacher made chemistry the highlight of her day. She has enjoyed teaching high school chemistry at PC Prep for the past five years and strives to inspire students to see their progress and appreciate the subject. She strongly believes that every student can succeed with the right support and dedication. Karen is available to answer questions via google classroom.
Contact Information:
Karen Cleary
09/10/2026, 09/17/2026, 09/24/2026, 10/01/2026, 10/08/2026, 10/15/2026, 10/22/2026, 10/29/2026, 11/05/2026, 11/12/2026, 11/19/2026, 11/26/2026, 12/03/2026, 12/10/2026, 12/17/2026, 12/24/2026, 12/31/2026, 01/07/2027, 01/14/2027, 01/21/2027, 01/28/2027, 02/04/2027, 02/11/2027, 02/18/2027, 02/25/2027, 03/04/2027, 03/11/2027, 03/18/2027, 03/25/2027, 04/01/2027, 04/08/2027, 04/15/2027, 04/22/2027, 04/29/2027, 05/06/2027, 05/13/2027, 05/20/2027, 05/27/2027
Participants must be entering grades 7 to 8.
Minimum: 1
Maximum: 14
Registration starts on 02/23/2026 and ends on 05/03/2027.
Please contact Pacific Cross Preparatory if you have any questions.