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Physical Science
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Currently enrolled students login here
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This course is also available for purchase
Description
This course is a Physical Science course with lab exercises. This course is typically taken in 8th or 9th grade, and is usually the last science course before the high school sciences (physics, chemistry, and biology). At some schools this course is referred to as an Intro to Physics and Chemistry, although it also include some astronomy and earth science. If taken in 9th grade, schools would typically count this course as a high school science credit.
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Fees
The cost of the course is $58 per month for distance learners. Student will need to purchase a copy of the Student Workbook, which should be around $20 each semester. Students will also need to purchase copies of the textbooks, which are available used at very low prices. The course is currently only availabe as a distance learning course.
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Lecture Notes and Class Time
When this class is taught live, class time is primarily be spent on instruction. Students bring their Student Workbook to each class, or a printout of the pages for that week. The pages of the workbook are identical to the instructor's lecture notes, except the student version has the solutions and answers deleted. During the lecture the students take notes and solve the example problems in the workbook.
Videos of the lectures are also available online, and these videos go through the same lecture notes, point by point. Students use the videos to cover any material that time constraints did not permit us to cover in our weekly class. Or, if a student misses a class or needs to review the material, all of the course content is available online. Distance leaners take the entire class online, but receive the exact same course content as they would in a live class.
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Textbook
The complete content of this course is in the lecture notes and videos of the lectures, in the Student Workbook, and in the supplemental readings. Separate textbooks are no longer necessary.
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Homework, Tests and Grades
Students will be given specific assignments to complete each week. Assignments will consist of Practice Problems from the workbook, instructional videos online, and written assignments.
In this class there is a distinction between Practice Problems and Homework Problems. Practice Problems are found in the workbook, and students check their answers with the solutions provided. Homework assignments and tests are printed from the website, completed, and turned in for a grade.
To maximize instructional time in class, tests will be given at home. One final exam for each semester will be taken in class at the end of each semester. Students will receive a numerical grade for each semester and for the year. The grade is calculated based on tests, graded homework and the final exams.
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Internet Access
Access to a computer with a high speed internet connection is strongly recommended. Instructional materials such as lecture videos, lecture notes, homework assignments and tests will available over the internet. Graded assignments and tests may also be returned via email in order to provide more timely feedback. Progress reports will be put on the website and updated regularly.
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The Instructor
Derek Owens taught physics, honors physics, AP Physics, and AP computer science at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, GA from 1988-2000. He currently teaches Physics in the summer school program at Westminster as well as AP Calculus at Providence Christian Academy. He graduated from Duke University in 1988 with a degree in mechanical engineering and physics, and worked at the TIP program at Duke for two years, teaching physics and heading the Satellite Science Program. He received a National Science Foundation scholarship and studied history and philosophy of science at L’Abri Fellowship in England. He worked as a software developer for five years before returning to teaching. This will be his eighth school year teaching homeschoolers in the Atlanta area. He and his wife Amor and their two children Claire and David attend Twelve Stone Church, a non-denominational church near their home in Lawrenceville.
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