Essential Learning Outcomes: Physical Science
Holden High School
Holden, MO
1) Scientific Method & Metric System: The student will analyze a scenario and
identify the following: problem, independent variable, dependent variable, control
group and constants. The student will also be able to construct a hypothesis and
a well-formulated question as they follow the steps of the scientific method.
Students will also be able to differentiate between laws and theories in science.
The student will be able to convert numbers using the seven base units of the
Metric system, including their prefixes (milli-kilo).
2) Motion and Forces: The student will identify basic types of motion, calculate
acceleration and speed, explain and illustrate Newton’s 1st Law, apply and solve
equations using F=ma (Newton’s 2nd Law) and apply and explain Newton’s 3rd
Law.
3) Momentum, Energy & Work: The student will explain the Law of Conservation
of Momentum and calculate using p=mv. The student will understand the Laws of
Conservation of Energy and distinguish between kinetic and potential energy,
calculate using KE=(1/2) mv2, calculate gravitational potential energy using
PE=mg*h, calculate w=Fd
4) Thermal Energy Concepts: The student will distinguish between thermal
energy, heat and temperature. The student will calculate using Q=mc∆T and
know that heat flow and work are two forms of energy transfer between systems.
5) Electricity: The student will be able to explain static electricity generation
through induction and conduction and compare static to current electricity. The
student will explain parallel, series, current, electric potential and resistance and
solve problems using Ohm’s Law (I=V/R).
6) Magnetism & Electromagnetism: The student will explain the role of magnetic
domains in magnetism and demonstrate an understanding of field lines. The
student will explain the Earth’s magnetic field and its importance to life and
human communication technology.
7) Waves & Sound: The student will understand that waves have characteristic
properties that do not depend on the type of wave. Students will know that waves
carry energy from one place to another and distinguish between transverse and
longitudinal waves. Students will solve problems involving wavelength, frequency
and wave speed (v = λf). Students will be able to explain the role of interference,
resonance and beats in the production of musical sound and know that sound
depends on the properties of the medium which it propagates.
8) Electromagnetic Waves & Light: The student will know that radio waves,
microwave, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet and X-rays are different frequency
bands in the spectrum of electromagnetic waves and know that they all travel at
the same speed in a vacuum. The student will distinguish between reflection,
refraction, diffraction, Doppler effect, destructive interference and constructive
interference.
9) Structure of Atoms and Matter & Chemistry Skills: The student will describe
atomic structure and the properties of atoms, molecules and matter during
physical and chemical interactions. The student will explain the types of bonding
(metallic, ionic, covalent) and identify properties of each. The student will identify
chemical and physical properties and predict likely chemical and physical
changes. The student will be able to write basic ionic and covalent formulas and
nomenclature.