SEP Science

This course is designed to acquaint students with the physical and chemical world that surrounds them.  Students will develop an understanding of atomic structure, properties of matter, motion and forces, energy in the Earth system, geo-chemical cycles and the evolution of the Universe.  Instructional emphasis is placed upon laboratory experience, problem solving, applied mathematics and Internet use.
Textbook: Conceptual Physical Science by Hewitt, Suchocki, and Hewitt; Second Edition; Addison Wesley Longman; 1999.

COMPETENCY GOAL 1: The learner will develop an understanding of measurement and develop proper lab techniques. Objectives:

• Explain and calculate conversions with the two systems of measurement.
• Use the scientific method in lab reports.
• Calibrate and use a beam balance.
• Use the proper volume technique in the lab.
• Use the Bunsen burner safely.
• Create a solution based on the proper calculation of solute and solvent.

COMPETENCY GOAL 2: The learner will develop an understanding of mechanics and fluid mechanics. Objectives:

• Observe, collect, and analyze data regarding
• Motion
• Newton’s Laws
• Free fall
• Momentum
• Energy
• Gravity
• Satellite Motion
• Density
• Archimedes’ Principle
• Bernoulli’s Principle

COMPETENCY GOAL 3: The learner will develop an understanding of Heat and Thermal Energy. Objectives:

• Describe the molecular motion in terms of
• Absolute Zero
• Specific Heat
• Expansion and Contraction
• Energy and Changes of Phase
• Conduction
• Convection
• Observe, collect, and analyze data as water changes form a solid phase to gas phase.
• Analyze the 1st and 2nd law of Thermodynamics.

COMPETENCY GOAL 4: The learner will develop an understanding of electricity and magnetism. Objectives:

• Investigate how a light bulb works.
• Analyze an open circuit with a closed circuit.
• Compare an electric field to a magnetic field.
• Compare series and parallel circuits.
• Use Ohm’s Law to calculate current.
• Analyze the applications of magnetism.

COMPETENCY GOAL 5: The learner will develop an understanding of sound waves and light waves. Objectives:

• Analyze waves in terms of
• Wavelength
• Frequency
• Period
• Amplitude
• Analyze the Doppler Effect.
• Explain the reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, and electromagnetic spectrum.

COMPETENCY GOAL 6: The learner will develop an understanding of matter. Objectives:

• Classify matter in terms of mixtures, compounds, and elements.
• Describe and analyze the atom using models of current atomic history.
• Define all subatomic particles of an atom.
• Describe
• Alpha, beta, and gamma rays in terms of electric charges
• Process and products of radioactive decay
• Natural transmutation of elements
• Artificial transmutation of element

COMPETENCY GOAL 7: The learner will develop a basic understanding of inorganic and organic chemistry. Objectives:

• Describe the relationship of the groups of the periodic table in terms of valence electrons.
• Explain and sketch the Lewis-dot-structure.
• Create ionic and covalent bonds.
• Identify the reactants and products and balance simple equations of the following types of reactions:
• Synthesis
• Decomposition
• Single Replacement
• Double Replacement
• Combustion
• Acid-base (neutralization)
• Investigate soap, soap scum, hard water, and soft water.
• Define
• Chemical Equilibrium
• Avogadro’s Number
• Boyle’s Law
• Charles’ Law
• Compare and contrast strong and weak solutions of acid and bases in terms of:
• pH
• Strength
• Concentration
• Degree of dissociation or ionization
• Electrical conductivity
• Identify the structures of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alcohols, phenols, ethers, and amines.

COMPETENCY GOAL 8: The learner will develop an understanding of the structure and properties of the Earth. Objectives:

• Observe the physical properties of the various mineral samples.
• Investigate rocks from three different groups: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary.
• Identify the different kinds of seismic waves.
• Describe the characteristics of the Earth’s crust, mantle, and core.
• Describe and explain the theory of plate tectonics.
• Explain hydrologic cycle.
• Verify Darcy’s Law and determine the hydraulic conductivity of soil samples.
• Investigate glacier movements and based on scenarios.
• Investigate water quality.
• Explain relative and radiometric dating.
• Describe the history of the Earth.
• Construct the Earth’s time scale.
• Investigate age relationships of six geologic regions.

COMPETENCY GOAL 9: The learner will develop an understanding of the origin and evolution of the universe. Objectives:

• Define and describe
• Color of the moon
• Sun
• Planets in our solar system
• Asteroids, meteorites, and comets
• Define
• the life cycles of the two types of stars
• parallax
• black hole
• three main classes of galaxies
• Discuss
• Big Bang Theory
• Meaning of “time” and “space”
• How the universe expand

Technology Learning Outcomes
The student can

• Use proper terminology to communicate about technology.
• Open saved files from the default location.
• Locate, run, and exit programs from the file management system.
• Create, move, and/or copy and paste files and folders.
• Explain the function of the clipboard.
• Perform multitasking operations with two or more programs open.
• Resize, minimize, maximize, move and scroll program windows using the mouse.
• Use the mouse to right click .
• Use the mouse for task management.
• Delete and/or rename files and folders.
• Choose print options.
• Use basic keyboard shortcuts.
• Use the Find function to locate a file.
• Utilize different storage media.
• Locate and use system tools programs
• Use special keys (command, option, and control).
• Perform advanced desktop management.
• Use equipment collaboratively.
• Identify safety measures for personal security and protection.
• Demonstrate appropriate use of the Internet.
• Explain consequences of ethical and legal violations.
• Demonstrate ethical use of researched information, e-mail, and all techniques.