Course Syllabus

Syllabus Physical Science A

Mizzou Academy

Welcome

We are pleased that you selected this course to fulfill your unique educational needs. You are now a member of the Mizzou Academy's global student body.

Although the freedom to choose when and where to study is a privilege, it is also a responsibility that requires motivation and self-discipline. To succeed at learning, you will need to develop a study plan by setting realistic goals and working toward them.

This global course is designed through the individual sections to assist in your pacing.

Course Overview

Physical Science A is a conceptual science course that teaches chemistry concepts by using crosscutting concepts that link all branches of science. The concepts include patterns; cause and effect; scale, proportion, and quantity; systems and system models; energy and matter; structure and function; and stability and change.  In this course, students will explore matter and energy with a focus on properties of matter, the structure of the atom, chemical bonding and reactions, solutions, nuclear reactions, and organic chemistry.  

Lead Teacher Introduction

Ericca Thornhill 

Teacher

thornhiller@mail.missouri.edu 

Science Division Chair

Course Objectives

The objective of this course is that students will be able to

  1. Describe how matter is classified.
  2. Explain and describe how solids, liquids, and gases behave.
  3. Explain how our understanding of the atom has changed over time, and describe how scientists understand matter today.
  4. Describe how the structure of the periodic table helps us to understand the properties of elements.
  5. Explain why atoms form bonds and compare the different types of bonds.
  6. Explain how the law of conservation of mass is represented in a chemical reaction.
  7. Describe how energy affects chemical reactions.
  8. Explain what happens to substances when they dissolve in water, and compare the properties of acids and bases.
  9. Explain how nuclear reactions differ from chemical reactions.
  10. Describe why carbon is the foundation element in much of chemistry.

Pacing

This course can be completed in as few as six weeks or take up to 6 months (180 calendar days). The six weeks are counted from the date of the first lesson submission and not the date of enrollment.

PreRequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.  High School standing is recommended.

Required Materials

No special materials are required, however some common household items may be needed for supplemental activities.

Technical Requirements

The most up-to-date requirements can be found here: 

Additional requirements for the course are below: 

  • audio and video recording capabilities (e.g. smartphone, camera)

Accessibility

If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please let Mizzou Academy know as soon as possible. If disability-related accommodations are necessary (for example, a scribe, reader, extended time on exams, captioning), please contact Mizzou Academy.

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on assignments and exams.

The following grading scale applies only to students who meet this standard:

Grading Scale
Grade Percentage
A 90–100
B 80–89
C 70–79
D 60–69
F 0–59

After completing the course, unofficial transcripts will be available in the Tiger Portal. See this page for information on requesting official transcripts. 

Canvas and Technical Support

Canvas will be used as the primary platform for accessing course materials and assignments for this class.