Science Curriculum: High School Physical Science
Georgia Performance Standards: Year Curriculum Map
This document is part of a framework that is designed to support the major concepts addressed in the High School Physical Science Curriculum of the
Georgia Performance Standards through the processes of inquiry. These units are written to be stand alone units that may be taught in any sequence.
The length of each unit is a suggestion. Unit length should be based on student performance.
1st 9 weeks
Unit:
Motion
2nd 9 weeks
Unit:
Energy
6 weeks
Focus:
Force
Motion
Molecular Motion
Phases of Matter
Relationship between
temperature,
pressure, and volume
of gases to molecular
motion
Unit:
Matter
8 Weeks
Focus:
3rd 9 weeks
Concept connection 
Temperature and Phase
diagram.
Thermal Energy
Heat Capacity
Energy Flow and Energy
Transfer
o Waves
o Radiation, convection,
and conduction
o Work
 Forces  Simple
Machines
o Nuclear  Matter
7 weeks
Focus:
Concept Connection 
Nuclear Reactions
Atomic Structure
o Nucleus
o Types of nuclear reactions
o Half life
o Isotope  atomic number
 Periodic Table
o Electrons
o Trends in the periodic table
due to valence electrons.
o Ions formed.
o Electron Movement
bondingForces
Current
4th 9 weeks
Unit:
Chemistry in Motion
8 weeks
Focus:
Concept Connection Bonding
Unit:
Charged!
7 weeks
Focus:
Connecting Motion of
Covalent and Ionic Compounds
Properties of Matter
o Density
o Solubility
o Acid/Base
o Conductivity
Conservation of Matter
Chemical Reactions
charge particles
Matter Properties
o Insulator
o Conductor
Difference of Potential Energy
o Current (resistance and
voltage)
o Conductor (force 
friction)
o Induction
o Chemical Cell
(conductivity through
solutions)
o Induce Magnetic Fields
o Energy Transformation
o Motors, Permanent
magnets, electromagnets
Each unit integrates laboratory experiences and field work using the process of inquiry.
NOTE: There are several strategies that are common throughout the units such as the use of a laboratory notebook, written laboratory reports,
and common teaching strategies. Keeping in mind that the standards are recursive in nature, it should be noted that many of the standards are
revisited in different units throughout the year.
Georgia Department of Education - 2006
Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools
GeorgiaStandards.Org
GPS/End of
Course
Testing