Physical
Science Pacing Guide 2015
Unit 1: The Nature of Science
3 weeks
-Utilize the steps of the
-Scientific method
-Measure accurately using metric
instruments and units.
Convert metric units
-Set-up, label and choose a type
of graph
-Identify independent, dependent,
and controlled variables and control groups in an experiment and where the date
would be placed on a graph
-Construct and interpret graphs.
-Measure mass, volume, and density
of regular and irregular shaped objects Unit 2: Classification of Matter
4 weeks
-Identify physical and chemical
properties of matter
-Explain the difference between
physical and chemical changes in matter-solubility
-Differentiate between an element,
compound, and mixture
-Describe the difference between a
heterogeneous and homogeneous mixture
-I can apply the concept of The
Law of Conservation of Matter, Mass, etc. (applied by separation lab and
balancing chemical equations)
-Solubility
Unit 3: Atomic Structure
-4 weeks
-Identify sub-atomic particles,
their charges and properties
-Determine atomic number and mass
and what that signifies about the atom
-Explain how atoms gain and lose
electrons
-Define ion and isotope
-Describe an isotope and explain
what makes one isotope different than another
Unit 4: Periodic Trends
-4 weeks
-Analyze the arrangement of the
Periodic Table
-Identify and explain differences
between specific periodic groups and families
-Explain properties of metals,
nonmetals, and metalloids and where they are found on the Periodic Table
-Identify valence electrons
-Construct a Lewis Dot structure
for various elements ( Not Required but helps with bonding)
-Explain why noble gases are
stable and halogens and alkali metals are reactive
-Element Project
Unit 5: Bonding Compounds
-2 weeks
-Sketch and describe how ionic
bonding works
-Sketch and describe how covalent
bonding works
-Name ionic compounds
-Name covalent compounds
-Write formulas for ionic and
covalent compounds
-Count atoms involved in a bond
-Calculate molecular mass of a
compound
Unit 6: Force and Motion
-7 Weeks
-Differentiate between speed,
velocity, and acceleration
-Calculate speed, velocity and
acceleration
-Label a force diagram
-Distinguish between balanced and
unbalanced forces
-Explain and relate Newton’s Laws
of Motion to the real world
-Explain types of frictional
forces
-Calculate force and momentum and
the variables that affect each
-Mathematically prove the Law of
Conservation of Momentum
-Define, measure, and calculate
work and power
Unit 7: Energy
-2 weeks
-Define and calculate potential,
kinetic, thermal, and mechanical energy
-Identify factors that affect each
type of energy and explain how
-Diagram and articulate how energy
is transferred and/or changes form
-Apply the Law of Conservation and
give concrete examples
This Section is NOT on PBA SO
if time is short cut out these concepts:
-Differentiate between heat,
temperature, specific heat, and thermal energy
-Calculate specific heat
-Explain how the specific heat of
a substance effects its properties
-Define and give examples of heat
flow through conduction, convection, and radiation
Unit 8: Electricity
-2 Weeks
-Explain the flow of electrons,
current, voltage, and resistance.
-Calculate each of the above.
-Differentiate between conductors
and insulators.
-Describe how resistors oppose the
flow of electrons.
-Analyze circuits
Unit 9: Waves
-3 Weeks
-Draw and label parts of a
transverse and longitudinal wave.
-Identify examples of each wave.
-Explain how waves interact with
each other and objects.
-Measure and calculate the speed,
frequency, and wavelength of a wave.
-Explain how the medium effects
wave speed.
Not a necessity to cover
concepts below:
-Explain the Doppler Effect.
-Analyze sound waves to determine
pitch and loudness.
-Define ultra and infrasonic.
-Differentiate between reflection,
refraction, and diffraction.
-Analyze all parts of the
electromagnetic spectrum and how they are used or when they can be seen in
everyday life.
Unit 10: Space Science
-3 Weeks
-Analyze the Big Bang Theory and
evidence that supports it.
-Scale the components of the
Universe.
-Identify types and ages of
galaxies.
-Create an analogy for the life
cycle of an average and massive star.
-Plot and Interpret the H-R
Diagram.
-Compare properties of the Sun
with other stars.
-Review Geocentric and
heliocentric models of the Solar System.
If time permits:
-Personify and compare the
properties of all 8 planets.