Exploring Creation with Physical Science
Class Overview
Text: Exploring Creation with Physical Science 2nd edition by Dr. Jay L. Wile, published by
Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.
Instructor: Becky Nangle
Grades: 7th-9th
Each module in this course is taught over two weekly class sessions with homework to
be completed during the remainder of the weeks. As they progress through an
assortment of topics, the modules cover detailed discussion of the world around us and
how it works. Following this material, the modules expand into exploring the universe.
The information will be learned through in- class lecture days, in- class lab days, and
homework. In addition, the modules teach vocabulary words to be memorized by the
students. The students will be tested on these words for each module test and again for
quarterly exams. Basic algebraic skills are required for this course to perform unit
conversions, using formulas, and other scientific calculations.
Learning from the Text: The material taught in this course is presented through the
following:
 Text contains 16 modules- 8 covered each semester
FALL:
SPRING:
The Basics
Motion
Air
Newton’s Laws
Atmosphere
Forces- Gravity
Water
Forces- Electrical
Hydrosphere
Forces- Chemical
Lithosphere
Waves and Sound
Weather
Light
Weather Prediction
Astrophysics
 Student Exercises:
o Lecture Note taking
o Reading
o “On Your Own” questions
o Draw and Label Figures and Tables
o Module Study Guides
o Module Exams
Learning from Experiments: Hands-on learning taught in this course is presented
through the following:
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Each Module contains experiments for observation and reinforcement of
concepts presented
Experiments will be conducted in class- with the exception of a few
Lab Write-ups include:
o Pre-lab- purpose, hypothesis, materials, procedure
o Collecting Data
o Results
o Conclusion
August 2014
Dear Parents,
I am excited to have the opportunity to partner with you in teaching your student
science this year. We are going to have a lot of fun but also put in some hard work! I
first want you to know that due to the limited time I will have with your student each
week please plan for time every day to oversee and help your child. Some students will
be able to read and process the information on their own, but some will need a guided
learning time. In the syllabus, I have planned out a suggested schedule for each day of
the week. You know your child’s abilities and schedule; please plan accordingly so they
do not fall behind. We will be progressing at a quick but steady pace!
SUPPLIES:
Your student will need to bring the following to class each week:
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2 - 2 or 3-inch three-ring binder with notebook paper and 8 dividers each
o Section Notes
o On Your Own
o Study Guides
o Module Summary
o Diagrams
o Lab Write-ups
o Tests and Quizzes
o Grades
The textbook (Exploring Creation with Physical Science)… we will be referencing
the book for reading, looking at figures and tables, example problems and
experiments
At least 2 SHARPENED pencils
Colored pencils- 8 pack is plenty
Blank 3 x 5 Notecards- we will be making flash cards of the vocabulary words
Calculator
Physical Science Parents’ “TO DO” List to Ensure Success:
1. Schedule at least FORTY-FIVE minutes a day for science each week. Do not let
your student wait until the day before class to begin homework.
2. The day after class, look over the daily schedule for the week and plan
accordingly. Take note of any labs that are to be performed at home and if a
module test is scheduled that week.
3. The day before class, check over homework to be sure it is complete and
everything listed in the syllabus has been done. All module work including the
test that was taken at home will be collected on the Lecture Day when a new
module is started.
4. Be sure your student is practicing their vocabulary words daily including ones
from past modules. Quarterly exams will be given twice a semester over the
previous four modules.
5. If a concept is not clear or your student is struggling, feel free to email me, and I
will contact you at my first available time. I will not be available directly after
class because I teach again at 10:00.
Grading Process for Physical Science:
 Assignments collected will include the following:
o Section Notes- 10 points this will include class notes, figures and tables
to be drawn and labeled, and any handouts given in class
o OYO-5 points (On Your Own questions)- EVERY OYO question is to be
done
o Module Study Guide -10 points - Each module has a study guide to be
completed before taking a module test. This is a great way to study!
o Module Summary- 10 points- Each summary module will be handed out
with a word bank to be completed and turned in when the entire module
is due
o Module Test- points vary- Module tests will be taken at home. One day
in each module is planned solely for this assignment. The test is to be
closed book with no parental assistance beyond clarification of a
question. I will grade the tests and return them to the students.
o Lab Write-ups- 7 points-The lab write-ups are to be done in the following
manner:
 Purpose, Hypothesis, Materials, and Procedure
 Collecting Data will be done in class as the experiment is
performed.
 Results and Conclusion will be addressed in class as time permits.
Otherwise, these sections will be finished at home.
o Diagrams and Figures- 5 points each- based on neatness, color, and
label
 Various Diagrams and figures will be assigned throughout the
modules
 These are to be done in color and labeled
o Project- Atomic Super Hero project- each student will be assigned one
atom during module 13
I am excited to meet your student and journey together in learning about the world and
universe created by our amazing God!
God Bless,
Becky Nangle