PSCI.PS1: Matter and Its Interactions

PSCI.PS1.1: Using the kinetic molecular theory and heat flow considerations, explain the changes of state for solids, liquids, gases, and plasma.

Phase Changes

PSCI.PS1.2: Graphically represent and discuss the results of an investigation involving pressure, volume, and temperature of a gas.

Boyle's Law and Charles's Law

PSCI.PS1.4: Apply scientific principles and evidence to provide explanations about physical and chemical changes.

Chemical Changes

PSCI.PS1.5: Trace the development of the modern atomic theory to describe atomic particle properties and position.

Bohr Model of Hydrogen
Bohr Model: Introduction

PSCI.PS1.6: Characterize the difference between atoms of different isotopes of an element.

Element Builder

PSCI.PS1.8: Using the patterns of electrons in the outermost energy level, predict how elements may combine.

Covalent Bonds
Electron Configuration
Ionic Bonds

PSCI.PS1.9: Use the periodic table as a model to predict the formulas of binary ionic compounds. Explain and use the naming conventions for binary ionic and molecular compounds.

Ionic Bonds

PSCI.PS1.10: Develop a model to illustrate the claim that atoms and mass are conserved during a chemical reaction (i.e., balancing chemical equations).

Balancing Chemical Equations
Chemical Equations

PSCI.PS1.11: Use models to identify chemical reactions as synthesis, decomposition, single-replacement, and double-replacement. Given the reactants, use these models to predict the products of those chemical reactions.

Balancing Chemical Equations
Chemical Equations
Equilibrium and Concentration

PSCI.PS1.12: Classify a substance as acidic, basic, or neutral by using pH tools and appropriate indicators.

Mystery Powder Analysis
pH Analysis
pH Analysis: Quad Color Indicator

PSCI.PS1.14: Develop models to illustrate the changes in the composition of the nucleus of the atom and the energy released during the processes of fission, fusion, and radioactive decay.

Nuclear Decay

PSCI.PS2: Motion and Stability: Forces and Interactions

PSCI.PS2.1: Use mathematical representations to show how various factors (e.g., position, time, direction of force) affect one-dimensional kinematics parameters (distance, displacement, speed, velocity, acceleration). Determine graphically the relationships among those one-dimensional kinematics parameters.

Distance-Time and Velocity-Time Graphs - Metric
Free-Fall Laboratory

PSCI.PS2.3: Use free-body diagrams to illustrate the contact and non-contact forces acting on an object.

Coulomb Force (Static)
Inclined Plane - Simple Machine
Pith Ball Lab

PSCI.PS2.4: Plan and conduct an investigation to gather evidence and provide a mathematical explanation about the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration. Solve related problems using F=ma.

Atwood Machine
Fan Cart Physics
Free-Fall Laboratory

PSCI.PS2.5: Use mathematical representations to support the claim that the total momentum of a system of objects is conserved when there is no net force on the system.

Air Track

PSCI.PS2.7: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that an electric current can produce a magnetic field.

Magnetic Induction

PSCI.PS3: Energy

PSCI.PS3.1: Identify and give examples of the various forms of energy (kinetic, gravitational potential, elastic potential) and solve mathematical problems regarding the work-energy theorem and power.

Inclined Plane - Simple Machine
Pulley Lab

PSCI.PS3.2: Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that thermal energy will move as heat between objects of two different temperatures, resulting in a more uniform energy distribution (temperature) among the objects.

Calorimetry Lab
Heat Transfer by Conduction

PSCI.PS3.5: Investigate the relationships among kinetic, potential, and total energy within a closed system (the law of conservation of energy).

Energy Conversion in a System
Inclined Plane - Sliding Objects
Roller Coaster Physics
Sled Wars

PSCI.PS3.6: Determine the mathematical relationships among heat, mass, specific heat capacity, and temperature change using the equation Q = mCp?T.

Calorimetry Lab
Energy Conversion in a System

PSCI.PS3.7: Demonstrate Ohm's Law through the design and construction of simple series and parallel circuits.

Advanced Circuits
Circuits

PSCI.PS3.8: Plan and conduct an experiment using a controlled chemical reaction to transfer thermal energy and/or do mechanical work.

Reaction Energy

PSCI.PS4: Waves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer

PSCI.PS4.1: Use scientific reasoning to compare and contrast the properties of transverse and longitudinal waves and give examples of each type.

Longitudinal Waves
Ripple Tank
Waves

PSCI.PS4.2: Design/conduct an investigation and interpret gathered data to explain how mechanical waves transmit energy through a medium.

Waves

PSCI.PS4.3: Develop and use mathematical models to represent the properties of waves including frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and speed.

Ripple Tank
Waves