Through the LTS Physical Science course, students explore many aspects of the physical world, developing a solid foundation of basic chemistry and physics. They gain tools to investigate (and concepts to think clearly about) atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, motion, electricity, light, and other aspects of chemistry and physics. Among other topics, students study the structure of atoms, elements and the Periodic Table, and chemical reactions; force, motion, acceleration, and mass; and energy, including renewable and nonrenewable sources and the implications of their use. Throughout the year, developing skills necessary for independent research and experimentation are emphasized. As in the Earth Science and Life Science courses, instruction is rooted in hands-on explorations in which students are primarily asked to do science rather than simply learn about science.
Specific topics explored include:
- properties and states of matter
- forms of energy
- atomic structure and the Periodic Table
- chemical bonds, compounds, chemical reactions, and solutions
- acids, bases, and carbon-based compounds
- motion
- gravity, friction, and pressure
- simple machines
- sound and electromagnetic radiation
- electricity and magnetism