Physical Science
Teaching Notes
Leigh Crosson
2011
“Big Ideas” in
Physical Science –
Overview
Properties of Matter
Changes in Matter
Forms of Energy
Energy Transfers
Force and Motion
Properties of Matter
All objects and substances in the world are
made of matter. Matter has two fundamental
properties: matter takes up space and matter
has mass.
Objects and substances can be classified by
their physical and chemical properties.
Mass is the amount of matter (or "stuff") in an
object. Weight, on the other hand, is the
measure of force of attraction (gravitational
force) between an object and Earth.
Changes in Matter
Matter can undergo a variety of
changes.
Matter can be changed physically or
chemically.
Forms of Energy
A. Energy is involved in all physical
processes and is a unifying concept
in many areas of science.
B. Energy exists in many forms and
has the ability to do work or cause a
change.
Energy Transfer and
Transformations
A. Waves involve a transfer of
energy without a transfer of matter.
B. Water and sound waves transfer
energy through a material.
C. Light waves can travel through a
vacuum and through matter.
Motion of Objects
A. Motion is a key characteristic of
all matter that can be observed,
described, and measured.
B. The motion of objects can be
changed by forces.
Forces and Changes
in Motion
A. It takes energy to change the
motion of objects.
B. Energy change is understood in
terms of forces--pushes or pulls.
Some forces act through physical
contact, while others act at a
distance.
Investigations vs.
Experiments
An investigation is a procedure that
is carried out to gather data about
an object or event.
An experiment is a procedure you
carry out under controlled conditions
to test a hypothesis.
Scientific Experiment
Session 2 - Matter
Matter - takes up space and has
mass
Measuring Matter
States of Matter
Changes in Matter
Measuring Matter
Mass - the amount of matter in an
object (balance)
Volume - amount of space an object
takes up
Density - measure of mass per unit
of volume (M/V)
Changes in Matter
Physical Changes - usually a
change of shape, size, or state. No
new matter, no new properties.
Chemical Changes - New
properties, often a change in color
or temperature. Often produces a
new gas or solid.
Session 3 - Energy
Energy - The ability to cause a
change
Forms of Energy
Transformation and Changes
Energy, Force, and Motion
Forms of Energy
Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy Stored Energy
Chemical Energy
Elastic Potential Energy
Gravitational Potential
Energy
Chemical Energy
The nutrients in the banana are
chemicals which are stored
In the food.
The chemicals in the battery that powers
the clock are an example of stored energy
Elastic Potential
Energy
The arrow has potential energy
due to the elastic nature of the bow.
Gravitational
Potential Energy
The coaster car has potential
energy due to its height above the ground.
Kinetic Energy - The
Energy of Motion
Electrical Energy
Light Energy
Heat Energy
Sound Energy
Motion Energy
Transfer of Energy
Energy cannot be created nor
destroyed.
Energy can change from one form
to another.
The source of all energy on earth is
the sun.
Examples of Energy
Transfers
Electrical to sound and light
Electrical to heat
Elecrical to mechanical
Solar to electrical
Session 4 – Forces
and Motion
•
Balanced and Unbalanced Forces
•
Newton’s Laws of Motion
Forces
Force - a push or a pull
Balanced vs. Unbalanced forces
Ever present forces - gravity,
friction, magnetism
Applied forces
Balanced Forces - The forces are equal
and opposite in direction. There is no
motion.
Unbalanced Forces - Causes Motion
Motion - The result of
Unbalanced Forces
Newton’s 1st Law - Law of Inertia
Newton’s 2nd Law - Law of
Momentum
Newton’s 3rd Law - Law of Action /
Reaction
Newton’s Second Law of Motion
An object with more mass will require
more force to begin its motion and/or to
stop the motion.
Newton’s Third Law of Motion
For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Resources
The Handy Science Answer Book
Physics for Children
The Science Yellow Pages for
Students and Teachers
Clipart.com