Course Syllabus

Syllabus Physical Science A

Welcome

Welcome to Physical Science A! We’re so glad you’re here.

Every lesson is designed to help you grow as a thinker, problem solver, and global learner. As a Mizzou Academy global student, you will complete lessons and assignments on your own schedule, interacting with course content, participating in interactives, and completing practice activities, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams.

To stay on track, we recommend using a pacing guide. You can find more information about pacing in the Course Resources section, along with helpful tools, technology support, and tips for online learning success.

As you begin, remember that online learning requires both independence and communication. Be curious, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your teacher if you need support.

We’re excited to learn with you, and we’re happy you’re part of our Mizzou Academy community!

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.

This course is asynchronous, meaning you can complete lessons and assignments at your own pace.

Most students spend approximately 10 hours per lesson interacting with course content, participating in interactive activities, and completing practice exercises, as well as drafting and revising assignments, preparing for quizzes and assessments, and taking exams. Your time may vary depending on your goals and learning style.

We encourage you to work at a consistent pace, allowing time to absorb new ideas, build skills, and reflect on what you’ve learned. Use a pacing guide to plan ahead, stay organized, and finish strong.

Course Description

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.

Course Essential Questions

Essential Question 1

How is matter described in chemistry?

Essential Question 2

How does matter change through chemical processes?

Course Overview

Lesson	Objectives	Quiz	Assignment
1: Properties of Matter	1.1: Define chemistry and explain its importance. 1.2: Compare and contrast the physical and chemical properties of matter. 1.3: Calculate the density of an object. 1.4: Identify and distinguish between pure substances and mixtures. 1.5: Describe techniques used to separate mixtures.	20 multiple-choice questions	No Assignment
2: Solids, Liquids, and Gases	2.1: Classify materials as solids, liquids, or gases. 2.2: Explain the behavior of solids, liquids, and gases using the kinetic molecular theory of matter. 2.3: Predict the relationship between temperature, pressure, volume, or number of particles in a gas. 2.4: Describe each of the six-phase changes and the movement of energy. 2.5: Explain what happens to the motion, arrangement, and energy of particles during phase changes.	20 multiple-choice questions	Assignment: Phase Changes
3: Atomic Theory	3.1: Define atom and explain early philosophies of the structure of matter. 3.2: Calculate atomic number. 3.3: Calculate mass number. 3.4: Describe the three subatomic particles and where they can be found in the atom. 3.5: Use the numbers of protons, neutrons, and electrons or atomic number and mass number of an atom to identify isotopes.	20 multiple-choice questions	No Assignment
4: The Periodic Table	4.1: Compare and describe the arrangement of elements on Mendeleev’s and the modern periodic table. 4.2: Use the periodic table to determine the atomic number, atomic mass, chemical symbols, and valence electrons of elements. 4.3: Identify general properties of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids. 4.4: Relate the number of valence electrons to reactivity, groups in the periodic table, and to properties of elements in those groups. 4.5: Identify properties and characteristics of groups (families) of elements.	20 multiple-choice questions	Assignment: Periodic Table
5: Chemical Bonds	5.1: Use an element’s valence electrons to determine an electron dot diagram of that element. 5.2: Explain how ions form. 5.3: Describe how an ionic bond forms. 5.4: Describe how covalent bonds form. 5.5: Compare and contrast a nonpolar covalent bond and a polar covalent bond. 5.6: Recognize and describe binary ionic compounds, metals with multiple ions, and polyatomic ions. 5.7: Determine chemical names and formulas for ionic and molecular compounds.	20 multiple-choice questions	Assignment: Bonding Bottle
Midterm Exam
6: Chemical Reactions	6.1: Interpret chemical equations in terms of reactants, products, and conservation of mass. 6.2: Balance chemical equations by manipulating coefficients. 6.3: Classify chemical reactions as synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double-replacement, or combustion reactions.	20 multiple-choice questions	Assignment: Chemical Reactions Video Lab
7: Chemical Reactions and Energy	7.1: Describe the energy changes that take place during chemical reactions. 7.2: Classify chemical reactions as exothermic or endothermic. 7.3: Describe reaction rate and explain what factors cause it to change. 7.4: Compare how energy relates to photosynthesis and cellular respiration.	20 multiple-choice questions	No Assignment
8: Solutions, Acids and Bases	8.1: Describe the properties of a solution and the factors that affect the rate at which a solute dissolves in a solvent. 8.2: Describe solubility and the factors that affect a substance’s ability to dissolve. 8.3: Calculate the concentration of a solute in a solution. 8.4: Define acids and bases and describe their general properties. 8.5: Identify a neutralization reaction and describe its products. 8.6: Define pH and relate it to the concentration of hydrogen ions in the solution.	20 multiple-choice questions	Assignment: Acidic Food Lab
9: Nuclear Chemistry	9.1: Define and describe nuclear radiation and its dangers and uses. 9.2: Describe nuclear reactions and classify the three types of nuclear decay. 9.3: Define half-life and relate half-life to the age of a radioactive sample. 9.4: Calculate the half-life of a radioisotope. 9.5: Compare and contrast the process of nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.	20 multiple-choice questions	No Assignment
10: Carbon Chemistry	10.1: Describe the allotropes of carbon and explain why carbon can make many different compounds. 10.2: Explain how the arrangement and number of carbons in a hydrocarbon affects their properties. 10.3: Distinguish unsaturated from saturated hydrocarbons. 10.4: Describe the types and properties of polymers. 10.5: Describe the structures and functions of four types of macromolecules.	20 multiple-choice questions	No Assignment
Final Exam

Grades

Your final grade will be based on the number of points you earn on submitted work and exams. The available points are distributed as follows:

Source	Available Points
Lesson Assignments	130
Lesson Quizzes	200
Midterm Exam	300
Final Exam	300
Total	930

Textbook & Technology Requirements

To fully participate, make sure you have:

A computer that meets our Mizzou Academy technology requirements
A microphone and webcam for recording audio and video assignments
Any other required textbooks or materials for the course

Textbook

There is no textbook required for this course.

Materials

You need a scientific calculator (Has an EE, EXE, or x10 button). No special materials are required, however some common household items may be needed for supplemental activities.

Technology

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

Browser and Computer Requirements
Proctoring Requirements
Microphone (external or internal)
Webcam

Additional requirements for the course are below:

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

If you ever have trouble accessing course materials or recording tools, reach out to your teacher for support. We are here to help!

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.

Canvas Technical Support

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

Access Canvas through the Tiger Portal https://mizzouacademy.missouri.edu/
For assistance with Canvas, passwords, or other technical issues, submit a ticket by selecting Help from the Global Navigation menu on the left in Canvas. Additional information is provided in the following Canvas Guide: How do I get help with Canvas as a student?
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